Like many, MANY other fans of the NFL, I just do not like Roger Goodell. In recent years, it seems he has aimed to manipulate rules and the foundation of the game, changing dynamics of how the game is played, and attempting to destroy any personal attitude or flare a player may bring to the game while all the time, issues like PED's are running rampant in the league.
He has done a few good things. Though I did not like his heartless approach, his major accomplishments would have be the Collective Bargaining Agreement and rookie pay-scale. He has also worked well to draw attention to concussions, both in the NFL and all the way down to the peewee football level. The Play-60 program also does wonders to inspire kids towards a more healthy lifestyle. If this was all you knew of Roger Goodell, you would think he was fantastic...but, he has a larger dark side.
Though there were many different events, like suspensions and player conduct issues handled the "Roger Way"...I am not going shoot spit-balls here, let's lob grenades.
Protecting the Offensive Players: The NFL used to be a place where defenses won championships. Since Goodell has taken office, there have been many rules added to the game that obviously protect the offense and, frankly, give them an advantage, thus, inspiring more passing and scoring in the NFL. From rules protecting QBs, WRs and even OL, Goodell and NFL brass have show little respect for the core elements of game and only desire to make a product that is more marketable and profitable. Player safety is the veil used to cover-up the real motivation of the NFL brass...money.
Spy-Gate VS Bounty-Scandal: To me, paying a player to hurt another player or spying on opposing teams are both equally heinous acts handled drastically differently by the NFL.
Spy-Gate was grossly covered up by the NFL, and though most sports analysts would agree the penalty dealt to the Patriots was harsh, really, it hardly cost the Patriots anything, as they were only fined money and one first round pick. The Patriots have plenty of money and the pick was likely to be traded anyway. Fans will never know the extent of the cheating and the Patriots basically moved on as if nothing happened.
The Bounty Scandal was pretty rough to watch get exposed, but in essence, has always been a part of the game. Players get paid to play hard. Sure, you do not want people in any sport, job, or action, deliberately hurting people or using specific techniques in a sport to injure the opposition, but at the same time, injuries and hitting are part of the game...hit them hard enough and the fall. Like boxing, players are expected to defend themselves. Rules are in place to prevent some styles of hitting. Players are flagged and/or fined for illegal hits. Bounty or not, there is a system in place to deal with offenders, much unlike Spy-Gate. On top of the whatever penalties and fines delivered for actions in the game (related to the Bounty-Gate inspired hits), the NFL decided to push punnishment several steps further, conducting a "witch-hunt", interviewing players, coaches, staff, and anyone aware of the Bounty-Scandal. After the investigation, the NFL and Goodell handed out the harshest sanctions and penalties in the leagues then 92 year history, suspending Saints Coach Payton and MLB Vilma for the year, GM Loomis for 8 games, Ass. HC Vitt for 6 games. They also fined the team $500,000 and forced the team to forfeit two years 2nd round picks. It took Paul Tagliabue being dragged out of retirement to set straight the player suspension. You just wonder if the Patriots were at fault for this one, would the penalty have been near as harsh...I doubt it.
Touchdown Celebrations: I am hoping that this time, the NFL brass and Goodell have gone too far, banning player celebrations. This was done, for no other reason, then to take individual marketability and player personality out of the game. Like most fans, I hate it when players get carried away with celebrating, but celebrations like Alfred Morris's "Home Run" celebration is brief and also enjoyed by fans. Not only that, his celebration is a dedication to Little League ball players. Sack dances, first down celebrations, and TD celebrations are a vital part of the entertainment aspects of NFL football. How far will referees take this? Will Refs bust players for a high-five or throwing a "21" up? No "Bow and Arrow"? Besides all of that, these players put there lives and bodies on the line, dedicating countless hours of hard work...they deserve to celebrate when they succeed. It seems that Goodell and NFL brass could care less about fans, players, the emotions instilled by greatness, or the sanctity of the game...their only motivation is money.
When will this reign of terror end?
When will fans, players, and owners join forces to drive out the dark overlord?
In all fairness, it is not just Roger Goodell, but part of his job is to protect the sanctity of the game, something that seems to have been cast aside by him. One thing is for certain, Goodell's reign will eventually end and the game, fans and organizations that make up the NFL, the best sport in the world, will live on.
Rules can be changed and so can a Commissioner.
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