Pretty funny how the world works. I get firearms training regularly and carry one from time to time in the course of my employment. However, if I got pulled over and was cited for something like this everyone I work with would call my actions stupid and irresponsible and they would wonder what in the heck I was doing out at 2am. I'd probably get my sercuity clearance revoked (or reduced) and I might lose my job. The Constitution protects my right to own and carry firearms just as it protects my right to drink alcohol but just as I cannot drink and drive (beyond certain restrictions) I cannot "pack heat" and drive (beyond certain restrictions). There would be an investigation of mitigating circumstances, I'm sure, but the bottom line is that being out at 2am, presumably after a night of drinking (or otherwise partying), and breaking a couple of laws (speeding and the gun thing) is a pretty good indicator that you're not behaing in a manner that might be consistent with (in my case) a professional military officer. And from there it'd be a judgement call as to whether my past history indicated a trend of risky behavior. Even if I got off I'd be on "super secret double whammy walk-the-line probation" where ANY misstep would be my last. I don't think the NFL has anywhere close to the moral/ethical/legal regulations as the US military, but it makes it harder to cheer for a guy who (in my eyes) might be going a down a path of self-destruction. Hopefully Edge or some of the other vets gives Karlos a call and tells him not to make a habbit of this stuff, especially if you're fighting for a contract!!!!!
Forgive me if I misunderstand you but how does this equate to Dansby? The article leaves a lot to the imagination.
First- the whole plate thing: was it missing a front plate, back plate, both plates. It doesn't really say and alot of drivers don't want a front plate and will not put one on until told to do so. Stupid yes, but hardly anything to make a judgement on Dansby.
Second-The officer asked him if he had a firearm and Dansby was curtious and forth coming about having a firearm. He made a poor judgement call and it also seemed as if the Gilbert police department accepted the fact the gun carrying law is hard to understand. If the police department is understanding why shouldn't we? I hardly think the Gilbert officer that pulled him over went "oh my gosh, this is a Cardinal player I better take it easy on him".
Third- There is no mention of alcohol so why bring it up?
Fourth- The officer must have been pretty confortable with Dansby's candor and sited him then let him go on his merry way.
Fifth- You get firearm training so my guess is you probably know the laws better than the average person (as well as being in the military and understanding the consequences of making a bonehead mistake). Basically you have no excuse as to why you were carrying a firearm illegally. I know here in Oregon if I carry my firearm in a vehicle it cannot be load and readilly available.
