The recent attention on NFL players behaving badly has drawn attention to the concept of celebrities seeing themselves as being above the law. They commit crimes such as using illegal drugs, abusing people, and driving while intoxicated. Why do they do this? The answer is simple…. celebrities see themselves as being above the law just because they are famous.

NFL running back Ray Rice committed an act of domestic violence in February. He recently got convicted for this crime. Rice slapped his then fiancé (now wife) in a hotel elevator, then drug her unconscious body to their room. He got suspended indefinitely from the NFL but no jail sentence.

Justin Bieber also got arrested for a DUI as a minor. Not only was he drinking and driving, but he was under 21. His only penalty was a single day in jail. He also kept all of his “beliebers”.

Celebrities do whatever they want, whenever they want. They seems to recognize that they will get off easily, which is why they are often repeat offenders. Celebrities get off with fines and maybe a short time in jail for something that ordinary people would get multiple years in prison for.

The only celebrities that get some type of professional consequences are athletes. They at least face punishments like multiple game suspensions for illegal drug use and DUI’s. However, they often find ways to avoid the jail time that non-celebrities would receive.

While they do get off easily, some celebrities lose their reputation. Some of the most talented actors started doing drugs or drinking at a young age. The most famous case for my generation is that of Lindsey Lohan. She was one of the most talented childhood actors, but she felt she could do whatever she wanted. Now she is in and out of rehab, and her career as an actor has suffered.

The same goes for athletes. Ray Rice was one of the NFL’s elite running backs over the past 7 years he has been in the league. That is not the case anymore because he is suspended indefinitely. By committing these stupid crimes, athletes ruin their careers, and let down their teammates.

In today’s society it seems that fame is power. Celebrities continue to abuse drugs and people, knowing they will not be severely punished. This is something that will continue if people do not take a stance and refuse to support these celebrities. The day where fans reduce their support of the crime-committing celebrity, is the day where we see a major improvement.