LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 09: New England Patriots football player Rob Gronkowski throws a Clipper color football to the fans during a timeout in the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 9, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers won 89-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Rob Gronkowski loves to drink and party, and recently, he went to Wrestlemania to drink and party. There is nothing objectively wrong with this, and it’s fun when athletes show their personality outside of sports.

He should keep partying and drinking as long as his heart desires.

However, would Gronk’s antics work if he were someone else? According to Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman, some NFL players say no.

However, I recently heard from four players, two from each conference, who all wondered if Gronkowski is held to a different standard than others in the league.

None wanted to be quoted, even on an off-the-record basis, but each made the point that they didn’t think a player such as Cam Newton could do what Gronk does without public backlash.

It’s hard to disagree with that assessment, and it’s particularly true of African-American players. Newton was once criticized for taking a 12th man flag and for touchdown celebration dances. Giants players got criticized for hanging out on a boat. If Newton or Odell Beckham Jr. went to Wrestlemania, there would very likely be columns about them being “distractions.”

Again, this isn’t to say any of Gronkowski’s fun is wrong—it isn’t. But because of his persona, he’s likely able to get away with a lot more than others would.

[Bleacher Report]

About Kevin Trahan

Kevin mostly covers college football and college basketball, with an emphasis on NCAA issues and other legal issues in sports. He is also an incoming law student. He's written for SB Nation, USA Today, VICE Sports, The Guardian and The Wall Street Journal, among others. He is a graduate of Northwestern University.