Ray Rice's Domestic Abuse Presser Sends Wrong Message (1 Viewer)

[Officer Pete Malloy]

in 2009 Suggs punched his girlfriend (now wife) in the neck and poured bleach on her while he held her down. What? Can you imagine seeing that video?

Yes

 

[TobiasFunke]

I live in Baltimore but I am not a Ravens fan. My 4yo daughter has a Rice jersey that will no longer be worn.

Listening to local talk radio the past couple of days, Ive heard some arguments that have made me consider being sympathetic towards Rice. One host said that there are currently 21 cases of domestic abuse ongoing amongst NFL players. I couldn't name another one. Just on the Ravens, in 2009 Suggs punched his girlfriend (now wife) in the neck and poured bleach on her while he held her down. What? Can you imagine seeing that video? He didn't get cut and they didn't do a jersey exchange back then.

Lots of hypocrisy going around (including Ray Lewis again on a national stage) and a bunch of CYA.

If the NFL and Ravens had handled this correctly and suspended Rice for at least 6 games like the new rule says, or for the entire season, I'm not sure the mob mentality grows this big.

I'm not sure why failure to punish and demonize previous abusers would make you sympathetic towards Rice. I don't want to draw conclusions without knowing the facts, but if they did things as bad as what Rice did (and it's a safe bet that at least some of them did), then they all deserved to have the book thrown at them and public opinion turn against them. Rice just happens to be the first for whom it actually happened. That's progress, not injustice.

 

[timschochet]

How the hell does Goodell manage to suspend Rice indefinitely after he just changed the domestic violence rule to 6 games for a first offense?

It's not part that's been collectively bargained...he can do whatever he wants. He's judge, jury and executioner. Part of the systemic problem in the NFL.

first off, he does have some constraints. But even so, I disagree with your premise. The NFL is the most successful sports business ever. Part of the reason for that is that so much power has been given to the commissioner. I wouldn't call that a "problem".

 

[McGarnicle]

Wife and I are in a friendly league with some Facebook friends of hers. We took Rice as our RB3, I couldn't pass him up in whatever round it was. No one said anything. Monday after the video breaks, commish tells my wife he couldn't believe we drafted Rice and that we still haven't dropped him. I had already queued up a bunch of WW claims dropping Rice so I had no inclination to drop him right away just to appease this ####wit. Yesterday he tells my wife if we don't drop Rice, he's suspending us from the league on "morals" grounds. I want to tell this guy off so bad.

We picked up Malcolm Floyd.

 

[Fennis]

Wife and I are in a friendly league with some Facebook friends of hers. We took Rice as our RB3, I couldn't pass him up in whatever round it was. No one said anything. Monday after the video breaks, commish tells my wife he couldn't believe we drafted Rice and that we still haven't dropped him. I had already queued up a bunch of WW claims dropping Rice so I had no inclination to drop him right away just to appease this ####wit. Yesterday he tells my wife if we don't drop Rice, he's suspending us from the league on "morals" grounds. I want to tell this guy off so bad.

We picked up Malcolm Floyd.

I would have taken the suspension.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Wife and I are in a friendly league with some Facebook friends of hers. We took Rice as our RB3, I couldn't pass him up in whatever round it was. No one said anything. Monday after the video breaks, commish tells my wife he couldn't believe we drafted Rice and that we still haven't dropped him. I had already queued up a bunch of WW claims dropping Rice so I had no inclination to drop him right away just to appease this ####wit. Yesterday he tells my wife if we don't drop Rice, he's suspending us from the league on "morals" grounds. I want to tell this guy off so bad.

We picked up Malcolm Floyd.

I would not only NOT drop Rice I would start him every week.

 

[LAUNCH]

Wife and I are in a friendly league with some Facebook friends of hers. We took Rice as our RB3, I couldn't pass him up in whatever round it was. No one said anything. Monday after the video breaks, commish tells my wife he couldn't believe we drafted Rice and that we still haven't dropped him. I had already queued up a bunch of WW claims dropping Rice so I had no inclination to drop him right away just to appease this ####wit. Yesterday he tells my wife if we don't drop Rice, he's suspending us from the league on "morals" grounds. I want to tell this guy off so bad.

We picked up Malcolm Floyd.

I would have taken the suspension.

Post her roster so we can check criminal history.

 

[avoiding injuries]

I live in Baltimore but I am not a Ravens fan. My 4yo daughter has a Rice jersey that will no longer be worn.

Listening to local talk radio the past couple of days, Ive heard some arguments that have made me consider being sympathetic towards Rice. One host said that there are currently 21 cases of domestic abuse ongoing amongst NFL players. I couldn't name another one. Just on the Ravens, in 2009 Suggs punched his girlfriend (now wife) in the neck and poured bleach on her while he held her down. What? Can you imagine seeing that video? He didn't get cut and they didn't do a jersey exchange back then.

Lots of hypocrisy going around (including Ray Lewis again on a national stage) and a bunch of CYA.

If the NFL and Ravens had handled this correctly and suspended Rice for at least 6 games like the new rule says, or for the entire season, I'm not sure the mob mentality grows this big.

I'm not sure why failure to punish and demonize previous abusers would make you sympathetic towards Rice. I don't want to draw conclusions without knowing the facts, but if they did things as bad as what Rice did (and it's a safe bet that at least some of them did), then they all deserved to have the book thrown at them and public opinion turn against them. Rice just happens to be the first for whom it actually happened. That's progress, not injustice.

If the NFL had given him an appropriate suspension the first time, I wonder if he would have been cut and had an exchange program initiated for fans with his jersey.

 

[Tom Servo]

Wife and I are in a friendly league with some Facebook friends of hers. We took Rice as our RB3, I couldn't pass him up in whatever round it was. No one said anything. Monday after the video breaks, commish tells my wife he couldn't believe we drafted Rice and that we still haven't dropped him. I had already queued up a bunch of WW claims dropping Rice so I had no inclination to drop him right away just to appease this ####wit. Yesterday he tells my wife if we don't drop Rice, he's suspending us from the league on "morals" grounds. I want to tell this guy off so bad.

We picked up Malcolm Floyd.

Dude, seriously? Is your league serious business?

 

[TobiasFunke]

I live in Baltimore but I am not a Ravens fan. My 4yo daughter has a Rice jersey that will no longer be worn.

Listening to local talk radio the past couple of days, Ive heard some arguments that have made me consider being sympathetic towards Rice. One host said that there are currently 21 cases of domestic abuse ongoing amongst NFL players. I couldn't name another one. Just on the Ravens, in 2009 Suggs punched his girlfriend (now wife) in the neck and poured bleach on her while he held her down. What? Can you imagine seeing that video? He didn't get cut and they didn't do a jersey exchange back then.

Lots of hypocrisy going around (including Ray Lewis again on a national stage) and a bunch of CYA.

If the NFL and Ravens had handled this correctly and suspended Rice for at least 6 games like the new rule says, or for the entire season, I'm not sure the mob mentality grows this big.

I'm not sure why failure to punish and demonize previous abusers would make you sympathetic towards Rice. I don't want to draw conclusions without knowing the facts, but if they did things as bad as what Rice did (and it's a safe bet that at least some of them did), then they all deserved to have the book thrown at them and public opinion turn against them. Rice just happens to be the first for whom it actually happened. That's progress, not injustice.

If the NFL had given him an appropriate suspension the first time, I wonder if he would have been cut and had an exchange program initiated for fans with his jersey.

What would be an "appropriate suspension"? Most of us would immediately lose our jobs if we were videotaped knocking a wife/girlfriend unconscious, especially if our jobs made us public figures or public representatives of our employer.

 

[rockaction]

Wife and I are in a friendly league with some Facebook friends of hers. We took Rice as our RB3, I couldn't pass him up in whatever round it was. No one said anything. Monday after the video breaks, commish tells my wife he couldn't believe we drafted Rice and that we still haven't dropped him. I had already queued up a bunch of WW claims dropping Rice so I had no inclination to drop him right away just to appease this ####wit. Yesterday he tells my wife if we don't drop Rice, he's suspending us from the league on "morals" grounds. I want to tell this guy off so bad.

We picked up Malcolm Floyd.

I try my hardest not to draft SEC guys. Damn cartel-lovin' windbags.

True story

 

[McGarnicle]

Wife and I are in a friendly league with some Facebook friends of hers. We took Rice as our RB3, I couldn't pass him up in whatever round it was. No one said anything. Monday after the video breaks, commish tells my wife he couldn't believe we drafted Rice and that we still haven't dropped him. I had already queued up a bunch of WW claims dropping Rice so I had no inclination to drop him right away just to appease this ####wit. Yesterday he tells my wife if we don't drop Rice, he's suspending us from the league on "morals" grounds. I want to tell this guy off so bad.

We picked up Malcolm Floyd.

Dude, seriously? Is your league serious business?

I was screaming on the phone when she told me. "DOES THIS DIP#### EVEN UNDERSTAND FANTASY FOOTBALL!?!?!" oh man I was hot.I want to ask this guy, what if he shows he's in therapy making progress and he gets reinstated, is the league barred from picking him up? So stupid.

 

[McGarnicle]

Wife and I are in a friendly league with some Facebook friends of hers. We took Rice as our RB3, I couldn't pass him up in whatever round it was. No one said anything. Monday after the video breaks, commish tells my wife he couldn't believe we drafted Rice and that we still haven't dropped him. I had already queued up a bunch of WW claims dropping Rice so I had no inclination to drop him right away just to appease this ####wit. Yesterday he tells my wife if we don't drop Rice, he's suspending us from the league on "morals" grounds. I want to tell this guy off so bad.

We picked up Malcolm Floyd.

I would have taken the suspension.

Love that idea, now his league is in shambles. Good luck with your 11 team league. Freakin jerkoff.

 

[roadkill1292]

How the hell does Goodell manage to suspend Rice indefinitely after he just changed the domestic violence rule to 6 games for a first offense?

It's not part that's been collectively bargained...he can do whatever he wants. He's judge, jury and executioner. Part of the systemic problem in the NFL.

first off, he does have some constraints.But even so, I disagree with your premise. The NFL is the most successful sports business ever. Part of the reason for that is that so much power has been given to the commissioner. I wouldn't call that a "problem".

I have a big problem with the awesome authoritarian power the league wields. I seem to be in the minority of observers.

 

[Fennis]

How the hell does Goodell manage to suspend Rice indefinitely after he just changed the domestic violence rule to 6 games for a first offense?

It's not part that's been collectively bargained...he can do whatever he wants. He's judge, jury and executioner. Part of the systemic problem in the NFL.

first off, he does have some constraints.But even so, I disagree with your premise. The NFL is the most successful sports business ever. Part of the reason for that is that so much power has been given to the commissioner. I wouldn't call that a "problem".

I have a big problem with the awesome authoritarian power the league wields. I seem to be in the minority of observers.

you should see the awesome powers the commissioner of McGarnicle's league wields.

 

[avoiding injuries]

I live in Baltimore but I am not a Ravens fan. My 4yo daughter has a Rice jersey that will no longer be worn.

Listening to local talk radio the past couple of days, Ive heard some arguments that have made me consider being sympathetic towards Rice. One host said that there are currently 21 cases of domestic abuse ongoing amongst NFL players. I couldn't name another one. Just on the Ravens, in 2009 Suggs punched his girlfriend (now wife) in the neck and poured bleach on her while he held her down. What? Can you imagine seeing that video? He didn't get cut and they didn't do a jersey exchange back then.

Lots of hypocrisy going around (including Ray Lewis again on a national stage) and a bunch of CYA.

If the NFL and Ravens had handled this correctly and suspended Rice for at least 6 games like the new rule says, or for the entire season, I'm not sure the mob mentality grows this big.

I'm not sure why failure to punish and demonize previous abusers would make you sympathetic towards Rice. I don't want to draw conclusions without knowing the facts, but if they did things as bad as what Rice did (and it's a safe bet that at least some of them did), then they all deserved to have the book thrown at them and public opinion turn against them. Rice just happens to be the first for whom it actually happened. That's progress, not injustice.

If the NFL had given him an appropriate suspension the first time, I wonder if he would have been cut and had an exchange program initiated for fans with his jersey.

What would be an "appropriate suspension"? Most of us would immediately lose our jobs if we were videotaped knocking a wife/girlfriend unconscious, especially if our jobs made us public figures or public representatives of our employer.

According to the NFL's new policy, 6 games for a first time offender. Do you think they should eliminate that first step and move straight to the lifetime ban for everyone?

 

[Popinski]

Stephen A Smith gets into it again:

http://deadspin.com/stephen-a-smith-doesnt-think-the-nfl-has-a-domestic-vi-1633022629?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

Stephen A Smith @stephenasmith · 2h

As if I wasn't pissed off enough, now the National Organization For Woman is calling for Roger Goodell's Resignation. $&@ Ridiculous. Oohhhh

 

[TobiasFunke]

How the hell does Goodell manage to suspend Rice indefinitely after he just changed the domestic violence rule to 6 games for a first offense?

It's not part that's been collectively bargained...he can do whatever he wants. He's judge, jury and executioner. Part of the systemic problem in the NFL.

first off, he does have some constraints.But even so, I disagree with your premise. The NFL is the most successful sports business ever. Part of the reason for that is that so much power has been given to the commissioner. I wouldn't call that a "problem".

I have a big problem with the awesome authoritarian power the league wields. I seem to be in the minority of observers.

Could you explain this? Every employer has "awesome authoritarian power" over its employees.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I live in Baltimore but I am not a Ravens fan. My 4yo daughter has a Rice jersey that will no longer be worn.

Listening to local talk radio the past couple of days, Ive heard some arguments that have made me consider being sympathetic towards Rice. One host said that there are currently 21 cases of domestic abuse ongoing amongst NFL players. I couldn't name another one. Just on the Ravens, in 2009 Suggs punched his girlfriend (now wife) in the neck and poured bleach on her while he held her down. What? Can you imagine seeing that video? He didn't get cut and they didn't do a jersey exchange back then.

Lots of hypocrisy going around (including Ray Lewis again on a national stage) and a bunch of CYA.

If the NFL and Ravens had handled this correctly and suspended Rice for at least 6 games like the new rule says, or for the entire season, I'm not sure the mob mentality grows this big.

I'm not sure why failure to punish and demonize previous abusers would make you sympathetic towards Rice. I don't want to draw conclusions without knowing the facts, but if they did things as bad as what Rice did (and it's a safe bet that at least some of them did), then they all deserved to have the book thrown at them and public opinion turn against them. Rice just happens to be the first for whom it actually happened. That's progress, not injustice.

If the NFL had given him an appropriate suspension the first time, I wonder if he would have been cut and had an exchange program initiated for fans with his jersey.

What would be an "appropriate suspension"? Most of us would immediately lose our jobs if we were videotaped knocking a wife/girlfriend unconscious, especially if our jobs made us public figures or public representatives of our employer.

According to the NFL's new policy, 6 games for a first time offender. Do you think they should eliminate that first step and move straight to the lifetime ban for everyone?

I think they should have the freedom to kick you out of the league if you do something horrible that embarrasses the league and there's nothing in the terms of your employment that protects you. That's what any employer can do with its employees. The NFL isn't in the business is meting out justice, it's in the business of making money. The only reason they give a #### about whether Ray Rice beat his wife is because fans care about it and fans pay the bills. If Ray Rice or Ben Roethlisberger or Eli Manning does something so bad that their continued presence on the field is bad business for the league they should get the heave-ho. Simple as that. Don't want to risk the presence of a video camera making you and the league look bad? Don't knock out your wife.

 

[Christo]

Stephen A Smith gets into it again:

http://deadspin.com/stephen-a-smith-doesnt-think-the-nfl-has-a-domestic-vi-1633022629?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

Stephen A Smith @stephenasmith · 2h

As if I wasn't pissed off enough, now the National Organization For Woman is calling for Roger Goodell's Resignation. $&@ Ridiculous. Oohhhh

I'm liking this guy more and more.

 

[Henry Ford]

Stephen A Smith gets into it again:

http://deadspin.com/stephen-a-smith-doesnt-think-the-nfl-has-a-domestic-vi-1633022629?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

Stephen A Smith @stephenasmith · 2h

As if I wasn't pissed off enough, now the National Organization For Woman is calling for Roger Goodell's Resignation. $&@ Ridiculous. Oohhhh

I'm liking this guy more and more.

You should ask him if he agrees that the Civil Rights Act should be repealed.

 

[Fennis]

NOWs statement

http://now.org/media-center/press-release/now-calls-for-roger-goodells-resignation-appointment-of-independent-investigator/

Statement of NOW President Terry O'Neill09.09.2014
The NFL has lost its way. It doesn’t have a Ray Rice problem; it has a violence against women problem.

• According to FiveThirtyEight.com, the relative arrest rate of NFL players is fifty-five percent for domestic violence, and thirty-eight percent for sex offenses.
• Days after announcing his new domestic violence policy, Goodell said Ray McDonald of the San Francisco 49ers, who is facing a felony domestic violence charge, could play in the team’s season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
• Greg Hardy is still playing for the Carolina Panthers, even after being convicted in July of choking his former girlfriend and threatening to kill her.

Goodell’s response to accusations that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones sexually assaulted a woman has been: radio silence.

The only workable solution is for Roger Goodell to resign, and for his successor to appoint an independent investigator with full authority to gather factual data about domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking within the NFL community, and to recommend real and lasting reforms.

The NFL sets the example for college, high school, middle school and even elementary school football programs. And the example it is setting right now is simply unacceptable.

New leadership must come in with a specific charge to transform the culture of violence against women that pervades the NFL.

That’s the only way to restore honor and integrity to the country’s most lucrative and popular pastime.

 

[Koya]

Stephen A Smith gets into it again:

http://deadspin.com/stephen-a-smith-doesnt-think-the-nfl-has-a-domestic-vi-1633022629?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

Stephen A Smith @stephenasmith · 2h

As if I wasn't pissed off enough, now the National Organization For Woman is calling for Roger Goodell's Resignation. $&@ Ridiculous. Oohhhh

I'm liking this guy more and more.

Nothing could make me like nor respect Stephen Smith. Utter blowhard. And not much can make me like Goodell. I'm with the NOW on this one, for the sole reason of the people they are going against. Though their stance on this is way off base, I admit.

 

[Koya]

FWIW, NOW's overall message is to a large degree on point. This has really been pushed under the rug overall.

That said, to take action before a legal process has moved forward, without real hard evidence, is totally off base.

 

[roadkill1292]

How the hell does Goodell manage to suspend Rice indefinitely after he just changed the domestic violence rule to 6 games for a first offense?

It's not part that's been collectively bargained...he can do whatever he wants. He's judge, jury and executioner. Part of the systemic problem in the NFL.

first off, he does have some constraints.But even so, I disagree with your premise. The NFL is the most successful sports business ever. Part of the reason for that is that so much power has been given to the commissioner. I wouldn't call that a "problem".

I have a big problem with the awesome authoritarian power the league wields. I seem to be in the minority of observers.

Could you explain this? Every employer has "awesome authoritarian power" over its employees.

The NFL has far ranging leverage and power over not only its employees but also its customers and its regional political hosts. When was the last time it took a major financial setback? It's the most dominating marketing force I've ever witnessed. You're almost deemed unpatriotic if you don't accept any action it takes or if you don't watch the Super Bowl.

I want what I want, not what it wants to sell me. I'd like to win a battle against it once in a while.

 

[McGarnicle]

How the hell does Goodell manage to suspend Rice indefinitely after he just changed the domestic violence rule to 6 games for a first offense?

It's not part that's been collectively bargained...he can do whatever he wants. He's judge, jury and executioner. Part of the systemic problem in the NFL.

first off, he does have some constraints.But even so, I disagree with your premise. The NFL is the most successful sports business ever. Part of the reason for that is that so much power has been given to the commissioner. I wouldn't call that a "problem".

I have a big problem with the awesome authoritarian power the league wields. I seem to be in the minority of observers.

Could you explain this? Every employer has "awesome authoritarian power" over its employees.

The NFL has far ranging leverage and power over not only its employees but also its customers and its regional political hosts. When was the last time it took a major financial setback? It's the most dominating marketing force I've ever witnessed. You're almost deemed unpatriotic if you don't accept any action it takes or if you don't watch the Super Bowl.I want what I want, not what it wants to sell me. I'd like to win a battle against it once in a while.

You're in big trouble.

 

[Sammy3469]

FWIW, NOW's overall message is to a large degree on point. This has really been pushed under the rug overall.

That said, to take action before a legal process has moved forward, without real hard evidence, is totally off base.

I don't know about that anymore. There are lots of professions these days where even the arrest would get most likely get you suspended/fired.

 

[TobiasFunke]

How the hell does Goodell manage to suspend Rice indefinitely after he just changed the domestic violence rule to 6 games for a first offense?

It's not part that's been collectively bargained...he can do whatever he wants. He's judge, jury and executioner. Part of the systemic problem in the NFL.

first off, he does have some constraints.But even so, I disagree with your premise. The NFL is the most successful sports business ever. Part of the reason for that is that so much power has been given to the commissioner. I wouldn't call that a "problem".

I have a big problem with the awesome authoritarian power the league wields. I seem to be in the minority of observers.

Could you explain this? Every employer has "awesome authoritarian power" over its employees.

The NFL has far ranging leverage and power over not only its employees but also its customers and its regional political hosts. When was the last time it took a major financial setback? It's the most dominating marketing force I've ever witnessed. You're almost deemed unpatriotic if you don't accept any action it takes or if you don't watch the Super Bowl.

I want what I want, not what it wants to sell me. I'd like to win a battle against it once in a while.

Ah, you're talking about broader than just how they deal with the players.

Yeah, I'm with you. I do kind of get the feeling they're edging closer to the line, though. A lot of people seem down on the league lately, not just b/c of this kind of stuff but also the CTE stuff and the awfulness of the live game experience and maybe just the fact that its rammed down our throats 24/7/365. I'm curious to see how the ratings look this year- I know they were down for the national games but that could have just been the matchups and the earlier than normal start to the season.

 

[Captain Quinoa]

FWIW, NOW's overall message is to a large degree on point. This has really been pushed under the rug overall.

That said, to take action before a legal process has moved forward, without real hard evidence, is totally off base.

I don't know about that anymore. There are lots of professions these days where even the arrest would get most likely get you suspended/fired.

Sure, fired from your employer (team). But banned from the profession altogether?

 

[Yankee23Fan]

NOWs statement

http://now.org/media-center/press-release/now-calls-for-roger-goodells-resignation-appointment-of-independent-investigator/

Statement of NOW President Terry O'Neill09.09.2014
The NFL has lost its way. It doesn’t have a Ray Rice problem; it has a violence against women problem.

• According to FiveThirtyEight.com, the relative arrest rate of NFL players is fifty-five percent for domestic violence, and thirty-eight percent for sex offenses.
• Days after announcing his new domestic violence policy, Goodell said Ray McDonald of the San Francisco 49ers, who is facing a felony domestic violence charge, could play in the team’s season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.
• Greg Hardy is still playing for the Carolina Panthers, even after being convicted in July of choking his former girlfriend and threatening to kill her.

Goodell’s response to accusations that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones sexually assaulted a woman has been: radio silence.

The only workable solution is for Roger Goodell to resign, and for his successor to appoint an independent investigator with full authority to gather factual data about domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking within the NFL community, and to recommend real and lasting reforms.

The NFL sets the example for college, high school, middle school and even elementary school football programs. And the example it is setting right now is simply unacceptable.

New leadership must come in with a specific charge to transform the culture of violence against women that pervades the NFL.

That’s the only way to restore honor and integrity to the country’s most lucrative and popular pastime.

Um, no it's not.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

FWIW, NOW's overall message is to a large degree on point. This has really been pushed under the rug overall.

That said, to take action before a legal process has moved forward, without real hard evidence, is totally off base.

I don't know about that anymore. There are lots of professions these days where even the arrest would get most likely get you suspended/fired.

Sure, fired from your employer (team). But banned from the profession altogether?

No one is stopping him from playing in the AFL or any of the other long list of leagues throughout the world.

 

[Tom Servo]

How the hell does Goodell manage to suspend Rice indefinitely after he just changed the domestic violence rule to 6 games for a first offense?

It's not part that's been collectively bargained...he can do whatever he wants. He's judge, jury and executioner. Part of the systemic problem in the NFL.

first off, he does have some constraints.But even so, I disagree with your premise. The NFL is the most successful sports business ever. Part of the reason for that is that so much power has been given to the commissioner. I wouldn't call that a "problem".

I have a big problem with the awesome authoritarian power the league wields. I seem to be in the minority of observers.

Could you explain this? Every employer has "awesome authoritarian power" over its employees.

The NFL has far ranging leverage and power over not only its employees but also its customers and its regional political hosts. When was the last time it took a major financial setback? It's the most dominating marketing force I've ever witnessed. You're almost deemed unpatriotic if you don't accept any action it takes or if you don't watch the Super Bowl.

I want what I want, not what it wants to sell me. I'd like to win a battle against it once in a while.

Ah, you're talking about broader than just how they deal with the players.

Yeah, I'm with you. I do kind of get the feeling they're edging closer to the line, though. A lot of people seem down on the league lately, not just b/c of this kind of stuff but also the CTE stuff and the awfulness of the live game experience and maybe just the fact that its rammed down our throats 24/7/365. I'm curious to see how the ratings look this year- I know they were down for the national games but that could have just been the matchups and the earlier than normal start to the season.

It's been the weekend after Labor Day for quite a few years now.

 

[Tom Servo]

FWIW, NOW's overall message is to a large degree on point. This has really been pushed under the rug overall.

That said, to take action before a legal process has moved forward, without real hard evidence, is totally off base.

I don't know about that anymore. There are lots of professions these days where even the arrest would get most likely get you suspended/fired.

Sure, fired from your employer (team). But banned from the profession altogether?

No one is stopping him from playing in the AFL or any of the other long list of leagues throughout the world.

Actually, the CFL will honor the NFL's suspension of Rice.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

FWIW, NOW's overall message is to a large degree on point. This has really been pushed under the rug overall.

That said, to take action before a legal process has moved forward, without real hard evidence, is totally off base.

I don't know about that anymore. There are lots of professions these days where even the arrest would get most likely get you suspended/fired.

Sure, fired from your employer (team). But banned from the profession altogether?

No one is stopping him from playing in the AFL or any of the other long list of leagues throughout the world.

Actually, the CFL will honor the NFL's suspension of Rice.

Yep. Good for them. Now what about the other 50 or so leagues listed?

 

[Christo]

FWIW, NOW's overall message is to a large degree on point. This has really been pushed under the rug overall.

That said, to take action before a legal process has moved forward, without real hard evidence, is totally off base.

I don't know about that anymore. There are lots of professions these days where even the arrest would get most likely get you suspended/fired.

Sure, fired from your employer (team). But banned from the profession altogether?

If I was taped knocking out my fiance in an elevator I'd lose my license.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Ah, you're talking about broader than just how they deal with the players.

Yeah, I'm with you. I do kind of get the feeling they're edging closer to the line, though. A lot of people seem down on the league lately, not just b/c of this kind of stuff but also the CTE stuff and the awfulness of the live game experience and maybe just the fact that its rammed down our throats 24/7/365. I'm curious to see how the ratings look this year- I know they were down for the national games but that could have just been the matchups and the earlier than normal start to the season.

It's been the weekend after Labor Day for quite a few years now.

Well then I guess I was wrong, since Labor Day is on the same date every year.

 

[The Commish]

How the hell does Goodell manage to suspend Rice indefinitely after he just changed the domestic violence rule to 6 games for a first offense?

It's not part that's been collectively bargained...he can do whatever he wants. He's judge, jury and executioner. Part of the systemic problem in the NFL.

first off, he does have some constraints.But even so, I disagree with your premise. The NFL is the most successful sports business ever. Part of the reason for that is that so much power has been given to the commissioner. I wouldn't call that a "problem".

If you want to take my comments out of context and try to apply them to something else, that's fine. But it's clear, that in this case, having the information go through one person is, indeed, a problem. And you're right...he has "some" constraints, but nothing too significant. This whole thing has left me with a ton of questions. I haven't followed this thread incredibly closely but the two biggest concerns I have are:

1. If the new policy is 6 game suspension for first offense, why is Rice out indefinitely?

2. If Rice told the NFL everything that went on (which is being claimed by MANY sources now), why did they change his punishment from 2 games?

The inconsistencies in all this lie in part with the fact that Goodell is judge, jury and executioner. Then on top of all this, we have to look at what message is being sent to players, right? IF Rice did tell them all the detail and there was nothing new (to the NFL) in the tape and they punish him 2 games, then flip it to indefinite, what's the benefit of being truthful? Why should players trust Goodell ever?

 

[roadkill1292]

How the hell does Goodell manage to suspend Rice indefinitely after he just changed the domestic violence rule to 6 games for a first offense?

It's not part that's been collectively bargained...he can do whatever he wants. He's judge, jury and executioner. Part of the systemic problem in the NFL.

first off, he does have some constraints.But even so, I disagree with your premise. The NFL is the most successful sports business ever. Part of the reason for that is that so much power has been given to the commissioner. I wouldn't call that a "problem".

I have a big problem with the awesome authoritarian power the league wields. I seem to be in the minority of observers.

Could you explain this? Every employer has "awesome authoritarian power" over its employees.

The NFL has far ranging leverage and power over not only its employees but also its customers and its regional political hosts. When was the last time it took a major financial setback? It's the most dominating marketing force I've ever witnessed. You're almost deemed unpatriotic if you don't accept any action it takes or if you don't watch the Super Bowl.I want what I want, not what it wants to sell me. I'd like to win a battle against it once in a while.

You're in big trouble.

It's no fun tilting at windmills if they're just gonna fall over when I ride at them.

 

[McGarnicle]

Wife and I are in a friendly league with some Facebook friends of hers. We took Rice as our RB3, I couldn't pass him up in whatever round it was. No one said anything. Monday after the video breaks, commish tells my wife he couldn't believe we drafted Rice and that we still haven't dropped him. I had already queued up a bunch of WW claims dropping Rice so I had no inclination to drop him right away just to appease this ####wit. Yesterday he tells my wife if we don't drop Rice, he's suspending us from the league on "morals" grounds. I want to tell this guy off so bad.

We picked up Malcolm Floyd.

Dude, seriously? Is your league serious business?

Soooo...which offensive skill players who would likely be on a FF roster have been convicted of violent crimes in the past? Any? Bonus points for domestic violence convictions. I call on the collective wisdom of the FFA.Commish gonna be sorry he started this war.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Wife and I are in a friendly league with some Facebook friends of hers. We took Rice as our RB3, I couldn't pass him up in whatever round it was. No one said anything. Monday after the video breaks, commish tells my wife he couldn't believe we drafted Rice and that we still haven't dropped him. I had already queued up a bunch of WW claims dropping Rice so I had no inclination to drop him right away just to appease this ####wit. Yesterday he tells my wife if we don't drop Rice, he's suspending us from the league on "morals" grounds. I want to tell this guy off so bad.

We picked up Malcolm Floyd.

Dude, seriously? Is your league serious business?

Soooo...which offensive skill players who would likely be on a FF roster have been convicted of violent crimes in the past? Any? Bonus points for domestic violence convictions. I call on the collective wisdom of the FFA.Commish gonna be sorry he started this war.

Here you go. Happy hunting!

 

[timschochet]

55%? For domestic violence? That's a shocking number.

 

[CBusAlex]

55%? For domestic violence? That's a shocking number.

I believe that's 55% of the players who have been arrested, not 55% of all players.

 

[Fennis]

55%? For domestic violence? That's a shocking number.

The number NOW is providing is not what you think it is

 

[McGarnicle]

Wife and I are in a friendly league with some Facebook friends of hers. We took Rice as our RB3, I couldn't pass him up in whatever round it was. No one said anything. Monday after the video breaks, commish tells my wife he couldn't believe we drafted Rice and that we still haven't dropped him. I had already queued up a bunch of WW claims dropping Rice so I had no inclination to drop him right away just to appease this ####wit. Yesterday he tells my wife if we don't drop Rice, he's suspending us from the league on "morals" grounds. I want to tell this guy off so bad.

We picked up Malcolm Floyd.

Dude, seriously? Is your league serious business?

Soooo...which offensive skill players who would likely be on a FF roster have been convicted of violent crimes in the past? Any? Bonus points for domestic violence convictions. I call on the collective wisdom of the FFA.Commish gonna be sorry he started this war.

Here you go. Happy hunting!

Ding ding7/18/2012 Dallas WR Dez Bryant Arrested on a misdemeanor family violence charge in DeSoto, Texas, after his mother called 911 and said her son had hit her.

 

[Koya]

FWIW, NOW's overall message is to a large degree on point. This has really been pushed under the rug overall.

That said, to take action before a legal process has moved forward, without real hard evidence, is totally off base.

I don't know about that anymore. There are lots of professions these days where even the arrest would get most likely get you suspended/fired.

Doesn't make that right either. Due process is an important element of a fair and just society. And to take away economic livlihood without a fair process, IMO, is not right

 

[timschochet]

Wife and I are in a friendly league with some Facebook friends of hers. We took Rice as our RB3, I couldn't pass him up in whatever round it was. No one said anything. Monday after the video breaks, commish tells my wife he couldn't believe we drafted Rice and that we still haven't dropped him. I had already queued up a bunch of WW claims dropping Rice so I had no inclination to drop him right away just to appease this ####wit. Yesterday he tells my wife if we don't drop Rice, he's suspending us from the league on "morals" grounds. I want to tell this guy off so bad.

We picked up Malcolm Floyd.

What an idiot commissioner.

Fantasy football is just that: it's a fantasy. It has NOTHING to do with real life. I'd own Charles Manson if he averaged a TD a game. If Josef Stalin was a decent QB he'd be on my waiver wire. Hell, if Heinrich Himmler was a proficient field goal kicker I'm taking him.

 

[Fennis]

55%? For domestic violence? That's a shocking number.

I believe that's 55% of the players who have been arrested, not 55% of all players.

NFL players are arrested at 55% rate the national average of 25-29 year olds for domestic violence

http://espnfivethirtyeight.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/morris-datalab-nfl-vaw-12.png?w=1030&h=826

the first chart of NFL arrest rates when compared to the national average

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

I live in Baltimore but I am not a Ravens fan. My 4yo daughter has a Rice jersey that will no longer be worn.

You should just cut off the sleeves and turn it into a wifebeater.

 

[CBusAlex]

55%? For domestic violence? That's a shocking number.

I believe that's 55% of the players who have been arrested, not 55% of all players.

NFL players are arrested at 55% rate the national average of 25-29 year olds for domestic violence

http://espnfivethirtyeight.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/morris-datalab-nfl-vaw-12.png?w=1030&h=826

the first chart of NFL arrest rates when compared to the national average

Yes, that's correct.

It's a pretty shameful crime against statistics for NOW to just cite that number without providing any context or explanation.

 

[McGarnicle]

Wife and I are in a friendly league with some Facebook friends of hers. We took Rice as our RB3, I couldn't pass him up in whatever round it was. No one said anything. Monday after the video breaks, commish tells my wife he couldn't believe we drafted Rice and that we still haven't dropped him. I had already queued up a bunch of WW claims dropping Rice so I had no inclination to drop him right away just to appease this ####wit. Yesterday he tells my wife if we don't drop Rice, he's suspending us from the league on "morals" grounds. I want to tell this guy off so bad.

We picked up Malcolm Floyd.

What an idiot commissioner. Fantasy football is just that: it's a fantasy. It has NOTHING to do with real life. I'd own Charles Manson if he averaged a TD a game. If Josef Stalin was a decent QB he'd be on my waiver wire. Hell, if Heinrich Himmler was a proficient field goal kicker I'm taking him.

I cringed when my wife mentioned this league but she was all excited about it. So of course if I'm going to play, I'm going to study the rules and mock the crap out of it, just try to crush them. Rice dropped, I was all over that. Commish says he was surprised we drafted him. A starting RB with a 2 week suspension. Okay.