roadkill1292
Footballguy
It should not only be ok to criticize Mr. Goodell, it should be encouraged.Edit: Slurs and name calling are unacceptable in any context.
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James Harrison calls the Commish a "Devil... (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter JuSt CuZ
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Godsbrother
Footballguy
Well said, I couldn't agree more.
GregR_2
Footballguy
I'll give you a great bigSure he can, just look at some of the idiotic defenses of him in this thread. I just heard one the Raven's defensive players saying the same thing on the radio, "he should not get suspended because he has a freedom of speech". Do we need to go any further than this issue to demonstrate how failed our education system is. Probably our most important right as a citizen and people do not have a clue. FREEDOM OF SPEECH ONLY PERTAINS TO POLITICAL SPEECH without suffering ramifications. It has nothing to do with the rest of the world we live in. As many know, go tell your boss what Harrison said about his and fall back on I can say it and you cannot do anything about it because I have the freedom of speech. See if you still have a job. It is always easy for everyone to second guess anyone in authority (it has become the national past time I think). Especially someone like Harrison who carries about no one but himself.'Team ROFLCOPTERS said:
for pointing out the misuse, as it's one of those things that's annoying how often you see it.One thing though. Freedom of speech doesn't just apply to political speech. Any type of speech outside of inciting to violence and the like is protected.The mistake here is that free speech protects you from government censorship only. The government cannot, say, raise the taxes of anyone who throws a Steelers teammate under the bus in order to suppress such speech. But the Steelers, and the NFL, are not the government, and they are free to do so if it violates their terms of employment.
Ghost Rider
Footballguy
Regarding #2, Ward is consistently one of the dirtiest players in the NFL by his peers (and sometimes THE dirtiest player). He might be respected about the league, but he is also considered dirty by that same group. Regarding #3, Mendenhall said more than that. He openly questioned whether or not bin Laden was responsible for 9-11. Ya know, the same bin Laden who admitted that he was the mastermind behind it! Mendenhall came off like a complete idiot with that tweet.
Sabertooth
Footballguy
Stay classy Pittsburgh.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Ward may be considered dirty by some players but does that make him a bad person off the field?
There are a lot of idiots out there that believe all kind of goofy stuff. I consider them dumb but not necessarily bad people.On the other hand I get the impression that James Harrison is not a very good guy on or off the field.
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Godsbrother
Footballguy
I'll be brief. The issue here is not whether we have a few idiots on the Steelers, or took a few liberties with our female party guests - they did.But you can't hold a whole team or city responsible for the behavior of a few, sick twisted individuals. For if you do, then shouldn't we blame the whole NFL system? And if the whole NFL system is guilty, then isn't this an indictment of our sports institutions in general? I put it to you, Saber - isn't this an indictment of our entire American society???? Well, you can say whatever you want to us, but we're not going to sit here and listen to YOU badmouth the United States of America!!!!Stay classy Pittsburgh.
Flying Elvis
Footballguy
I'll be brief. The issue here is not whether we have a few idiots on the Steelers, or took a few liberties with our female party guests - they did.But you can't hold a whole team or city responsible for the behavior of a few, sick twisted individuals. For if you do, then shouldn't we blame the whole NFL system? And if the whole NFL system is guilty, then isn't this an indictment of our sports institutions in general? I put it to you, Saber - isn't this an indictment of our entire American society???? Well, you can say whatever you want to us, but we're not going to sit here and listen to YOU badmouth the United States of America!!!!Stay classy Pittsburgh.
DesmondBishop
Footballguy
Nice, I like what you did there. I can't believe Saber hates America!I'll be brief. The issue here is not whether we have a few idiots on the Steelers, or took a few liberties with our female party guests - they did.But you can't hold a whole team or city responsible for the behavior of a few, sick twisted individuals. For if you do, then shouldn't we blame the whole NFL system? And if the whole NFL system is guilty, then isn't this an indictment of our sports institutions in general? I put it to you, Saber - isn't this an indictment of our entire American society???? Well, you can say whatever you want to us, but we're not going to sit here and listen to YOU badmouth the United States of America!!!!Stay classy Pittsburgh.
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eakfootball
Footballguy
I can't stand him. I hope he gets suspended.
Hoss_Cartwright
Footballguy
What are the chances Pittsburgh cuts him?
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
Zero. They gave him a 20 million dollar signing bonus 2 years ago. Not too mention he's still a hell of a player. That said it would be pretty awesome if they did and he was black balled and nobody else picked him up. Chance of that happening .000000000000000000000000001%
Return of the Sheep
Footballguy
They will make sure they keep him b/c after all this backlash is through he might end up being the Defensive Player of the Year! Ben took the Steelers to another SB to make up for his drama. I see James doing the same thing.
I wonder if Goodell is going to pick a day and just issue a huge suspension list for all the idiots who got arrested/etc. or do it piecemeal over the course of a few weeks. It should be pretty funny, it seems like their will be quite a few up for 2 -6 games, a couple who might get a lifetime ban.
JuSt CuZ
Footballguy
Ok, I see the word ignorant thrown around a lot...
Harrison is ignorant, plain and simple, just an ignorant human being. No brains at all.
Its not about freedom of speech, its about respect, and he obviously has none. You don't talk about the commish of the league you play for and your star QB in the matter that he did.
Like Cushing said "I'll pray for him."
Harrison is ignorant, plain and simple, just an ignorant human being. No brains at all.
Its not about freedom of speech, its about respect, and he obviously has none. You don't talk about the commish of the league you play for and your star QB in the matter that he did.
Like Cushing said "I'll pray for him."
Ramblin Wreck
Footballguy
How can he punish them for anything that happened during the lockout? Technically there is no NFL and no players to punish.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
I wonder the same thing. How can the league suspend or fine any player when there is no agreement?
bicycle_seat_sniffer
Smells like chicken
On the 2004 season:
“I should have another ring. We were the best team in football in 2004, but the Patriots, who we beat during the regular season, stole our signals and picked up 90 percent of our blitzes [in the AFC title game]. They got busted for it later, but, hey, they’re Goodell’s boys, so he slapped ‘em $500,000 and burned the tapes. Was he going to rescind their Super Bowls? Man, hell no!”
This is so true
“I should have another ring. We were the best team in football in 2004, but the Patriots, who we beat during the regular season, stole our signals and picked up 90 percent of our blitzes [in the AFC title game]. They got busted for it later, but, hey, they’re Goodell’s boys, so he slapped ‘em $500,000 and burned the tapes. Was he going to rescind their Super Bowls? Man, hell no!”
This is so true
fred_1_15301
Footballguy
Biggest idiot in football and it isn't even close........ 
JuSt CuZ
Footballguy
They still have contracts with the teams! They are under some guide lines to represent their team well. Plus the Conduct policy is not a collectivly bargained issue, its a rule if you are under contract.It will be up to the teams to punish players, I believe, even though it is up to the commissioner Why does everyone forget that Roger works for the Owners? You can't call him the puppet, and then blame everything on him...America needs someone to hate. Also, players better start liking him, cuz as long as the owners love him, he stays around. Roger is worth more to the owners then Harrison is.
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JuSt CuZ
Footballguy
I know for a fact you hate the Patriots with such a passion, and I'm sure it has nothing to do with how they beat down on your Chargers with such regularity...so is this a bias answer or what you really believe? lol
roadkill1292
Footballguy
Perhaps the bigger question to ask is why the league seeks to penalize players and coaches for public criticism. What harm does it do the league when somebody spouts off? Being such a visible public institution, it would come off looking far better with a less autocratic outlook.
Bigboy10182000
Footballguy
I just wonder how many people in this very thread have thought or said some these same things (or close to) about Heir Goddell....
Everyone handles themselves differently and Harrison obviously will feel some kind of ramifications from this. You're not going to insult your boss whether you're right or wrong and come away clean, that's a given. But I'd be willing to be over half of the league was ok with what he said about Goddell.
As for me personally I don't have an issue with what he said...I've heard the "gay-slur" before and believe me it's not as bad as the media tell you it is...
Everyone handles themselves differently and Harrison obviously will feel some kind of ramifications from this. You're not going to insult your boss whether you're right or wrong and come away clean, that's a given. But I'd be willing to be over half of the league was ok with what he said about Goddell.
As for me personally I don't have an issue with what he said...I've heard the "gay-slur" before and believe me it's not as bad as the media tell you it is...
CrossEyed
Footballguy
Well, there are a LOT of idiots in football, so it might be close.But seriously, between Santonio, Ben, Reed, Rashard, Hines, and now this, the Steelers have become just another team of idiots in the NFL. I used to think that the Rooneys had a higher standard. I no longer believe that.Biggest idiot in football and it isn't even close........
Ramblin Wreck
Footballguy
Under contract for what? The league isn't paying them. They aren't even part of the union anymore.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Not sure I ever believed it.There have been some exceptions but the Steelers typically do not sign or draft players with known character issues. Traditionally though, the Steelers do tend to stick by current players for a few offenses until they feel they have had enough.For you particular examples I wonder what you think the Steelers should have done?1) Santonio- traded for virtually nothing after multiple infractions.2) Ben- The Rooneys publicly condemned his boorish behavior. Do you think they should have cut their franchise player considering he was never arrested nor sufficient evidence to even charge him with a crime? They denied it but there were reports they tried shopping him but got no serious offers. Should they have cut him even though it would have hurt the team both on the field and financially?3) Reed- cut. First player with the franchise flag to be cut during the season4) Rashard- tweeted his stupid opinion about Bin Laden's death. In light of what he said do you think he is a bad person? If you were an employer would you fire someone that tweeted the same thing?5) Hines- the Rooneys can do nothing right now due to the labor dispute. Up until his DUI last week Ward was a media darling and solid member of the community, not to mention a pretty good player for 13 years. Once the labor dispute is settled should the Rooneys cut him?Just curious as to your opinions on the above...Well, there are a LOT of idiots in football, so it might be close.But seriously, between Santonio, Ben, Reed, Rashard, Hines, and now this, the Steelers have become just another team of idiots in the NFL. I used to think that the Rooneys had a higher standard. I no longer believe that.Biggest idiot in football and it isn't even close........
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CrossEyed
Footballguy
Yeah, maybe that comment wasn't fair to the Rooneys. I guess when you have a league full of idiots it's pretty hard not to have your fair share of them.Although I think they put up with stuff longer than they should if a player is performing well. Reed is a good example. Guy had been a drunken idiot for years. They didn't cut him until he started missing too many FGs.Not sure I ever believed it.There have been some exceptions but the Steelers typically do not sign or draft players with known character issues. Traditionally though, the Steelers do tend to stick by current players for a few offenses until they feel they have had enough.For you particular examples I wonder what you think the Steelers should have done?1) Santonio- traded for virtually nothing after multiple infractions.2) Ben- The Rooneys publicly condemned his boorish behavior. Do you think they should have cut their franchise player considering he was never arrested nor sufficient evidence to even charge him with a crime? Would any other franchise have done this?3) Reed- cut. First player with the franchise flag to be cut during the season4) Rashard- tweeted his stupid opinion about Bin Laden's death. In light of what he said do you think he is a bad person? If you were an employer would you fire someone that tweeted the same thing?5) Hines- the Rooneys can do nothing right now due to the labor dispute. Up until his DUI last week Ward was a media darling and solid member of the community, not to mention a pretty good player for 13 years. Once the labor dispute is settled should the Rooneys cut him?Just curious as to your opinions on the above...Well, there are a LOT of idiots in football, so it might be close.But seriously, between Santonio, Ben, Reed, Rashard, Hines, and now this, the Steelers have become just another team of idiots in the NFL. I used to think that the Rooneys had a higher standard. I no longer believe that.Biggest idiot in football and it isn't even close........
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Agreed. I think it is more of a reflection on the league than any one owner.In Harrison's case it will be interesting to see if the league or the Steelers do anything regarding his latest outbursts in light of the labor dispute. My guess is that this will be pushed aside once the labor situation is resolved and training camp and free agency starts. There is going to be a lot of chaos for the first couple of weeks.'CrossEyed said:
Carolina Hustler
Footballguy
The new CBA will address any players who were under contract before the expiration of the previous CBA.. they're contracts will continue un-interrupted, so technically they will be scrutinized.. I'm not sure the NFL can do anything about a player who wasn't under contract though..'Ramblin Wreck said:
IIRC Goodell said early on in the lockout that he still had the power to punish players who were got out of line during the lockout.
Sabertooth
Footballguy
He called Goodell a crook, a puppet, and a ######. I doubt it gets pushed aside. I'd say that I'd rather see him get a yearlong suspension without pay, but I fear the ramifications of that on his loved ones who are defenseless against him. He's obviously got some serious mental health issues ala Romanowski.
fatness
Footballguy
My guess is that the league will not (since it is likely to be challenged as occurring while players were locked out) but that the Steelers might.
fatness
Footballguy
Respect isn't owed. Goodell isn't respected by a large number of players. That's his problem to solve, the old-fashioned way: earn it.
Chest Rockwell
Footballguy
Adebisi
Footballguy
He doesn't really need the players' respect, FWIW.
SWC
Bromigo
i would like to see him sit down with childress who is a great family man and have a talk about his direction in life and then maybe become a better person and do more work for charity and then maybe someday in like ten to fifteen years sit down with roger godell and talk through there issues
Cookiemonster
Footballguy
I'm thinking closer to Leon Spinks. We could get a Mike Tyson "... eat your children," quote here pretty soon.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
I am not a fan of Goodell but you can't have players lashing out against him like Harrison did. Criticism is one thing but Harrison went way beyond that. But as you said the league may not be able to do anything about it. The Steelers can do something but they are in a tough place. He already publicly apologized so about the only thing left would be a fine or suspension. They open against Baltimore and play the Colts week 3 so it would be tough to suspend him during the regular season. Maybe they'll sit him for a preseason game or two?'fatness said:
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roadkill1292
Footballguy
Where do you think the line should be drawn for player criticism of the league/commissioner? What is the point of suspending players (we could probably extend this question to coaches, too) for this kind of criticism? Does it damage the business somehow?
Godsbrother
Footballguy
I don't think being critical of the commissioner or league should be penalized by the league at all. Hurling personal insults and using gay slurs is over the line though. Obviously a public apology is in order but beyond that I think it should probably be left up to the team to handle.I suppose you could make a case that it could be damaging to the league if this kind of nonsense became common place but I think an isolated idiotic remark by a player will be viewed as just that -- a moron saying stupid stuff.
roadkill1292
Footballguy
I think we're mostly in agreement here. Harrison's comments were probably a detriment to the league on the basis of its stupid presentation alone and probably deserve the disciplinary attention of the team and/or league. For the most part, however, I don't think thoughtful criticism of the league/commish should be punished. In fact, I think it reflects unfavorably on the league if it comes down on those players and unfavorably on those fans who demand it.
