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

[Henry Ford]

Warning: Deadspin link, NSFW language.

The NFL Finally Explains Why It Suspended Ray Rice Indefinitely

First, the NFL suspended Ray Rice for two games. Then video came out, which the league pretended it hadn't seen, and the NFL suspended Ray Rice indefinitely. Last we heard, the NFLPA and Rice were still waiting on an official explanation from the league, which was pretty strange. The NFL has to at least tell a guy why it's banned him, right?It appears that the NFL's official stance for changing its Rice punishment (and completely ignoring its "new" domestic violence policy) is that Rice lied to Roger Goodell and other league bigwigs in his description of what happened in that elevator.

I was predicting this would happen in the Shark Pool threads. Is Deadspin a legit source for this?

"Lying to me" is a reason a credible person can use....not Goodell. Just wondering, but is there a way that Rice could have some sort of class action suit against the NFL for the way they've handled this?

League is tripling down on stupid. I agree that Goodell and his team set the NFL up for a very large wrongful termination suit - possible in the 10s of millions. Because Rice can claim that a process was followed and that the NFL conspired to break union and internal protocols by lying in order to suspend him and thereby severely limit his future career options / possibly end his career. I know what you're thinking, but he hit a woman... But that doesn't factor much in my opinion. Clearly, he should have gotten a more severe sentence initially, but he didn't and the arbitrary nature of the potentially career ending suspension is something the NFL's insurance company is going to have to settle. Goodell, in light of credible reports to the contrary, seems to be taking the line that Ray Rice lied in their meeting, and may be looking to employ the old Ronald Reagan "I can't recall" excuse. The insurance company is going to get to depositions and realize they're totally and utterly ####ed, and will end up writing a very large check before it goes to trial. Another stupid move that shows the reactive and deceptive nature of Goodell's "leadership."

I agree with this. I'm no Ray Rice fan, but the league and even his own team have decided to sacrifice his career to save face by greatly increasing the punishment on what was a settled matter (absent some further infraction on his part). Just add this to the list of things the NFL is doing embarrassingly wrong.

Agreed....is it possible that in a civil case, Rice could win and be forced to give the "winnings" to charity....say some sort of battered women's cause or some such?

Forced by whom?

the courts? I dunno....spitballin' here

Mr. Peterson, we find you have won your case. But we order you to give the money you won to someone who isn't a party to this case and has no rights to the money.

You'll never ever see that .

 

[Henry Ford]

What a horrible time for Peterson to get indicted. This was all kinda dying down. Atleast the games are nearly here for the weekend.

I don't understand the nature of the charges as I thought the baby mama's boyfriend was also charged. Is the thought that Peterson was directly involved in the death of his son?

Different kid.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

What a horrible time for Peterson to get indicted. This was all kinda dying down. Atleast the games are nearly here for the weekend.

I don't understand the nature of the charges as I thought the baby mama's boyfriend was also charged. Is the thought that Peterson was directly involved in the death of his son?

Different kid.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

Different mother as well?

 

[Daywalker]

Does anyone else get nauseous seeing Richardson on that stage? Those Hardy 911 tapes are scary.

 

[Henry Ford]

What a horrible time for Peterson to get indicted. This was all kinda dying down. Atleast the games are nearly here for the weekend.

I don't understand the nature of the charges as I thought the baby mama's boyfriend was also charged. Is the thought that Peterson was directly involved in the death of his son?

Different kid.

jinx! You owe me a coke.

 

[Daywalker]

Ravens would be wise to ban Rice jerseys at home games. Allow fans to exchange them for a different player. Was a bad look.

 

[T Bell]

What a horrible time for Peterson to get indicted. This was all kinda dying down. Atleast the games are nearly here for the weekend.

Yeah, what an inconvenience. If you're gonna commit child abuse, at least make sure the controversy hits during the off season!

 

[dparker713]

What a horrible time for Peterson to get indicted. This was all kinda dying down. Atleast the games are nearly here for the weekend.

Yeah, what an inconvenience. If you're gonna commit child abuse, at least make sure the controversy hits during the off season!

Well, the incident happened months ago. And it wasn't until the second grand jury that the indictment came down. But my comment was more about the fact that the hysteria seemed to be dying down, the timing of this will ratchet things back up and no rational discourse will occur.

 

[Koya]

What a horrible time for Peterson to get indicted. This was all kinda dying down. Atleast the games are nearly here for the weekend.

Yeah, what an inconvenience. If you're gonna commit child abuse, at least make sure the controversy hits during the off season!

Well, the incident happened months ago. And it wasn't until the second grand jury that the indictment came down. But my comment was more about the fact that the hysteria seemed to be dying down, the timing of this will ratchet things back up and no rational discourse will occur.

Rational discourse will occur. It will just be trumped by stupidity + agenda.

 

[tdoss]

When you're in a position of leadership, ignorance is never a good excuse...it's even more true when you're judge, jury, executioner and don't accept it as an excuse from others.

Worked for Reagan and Iran/Contra.

 

[Guest]

While an opinion not likely to get a ton of support on a site called footballguys, I'm personally taking this season off as a fan, unless the leadership changes. For me, it's not just the soft stance on violence against women. I feel like science has caught up to the game and it's brutally horrible for the players' long term health. Players are getting stronger and faster and the health problems have been measure to start early (high school) and manifest themselves as permanent ailments earlier (40s, 50s). I don't know what should be done, frankly, but it's not creating a 1950s alternate male fantasy reality and supressing actual reality for more profit.

Obviously going to be in the serious minority here, but I can weather a few months away from the game.

 

[fatness]

. I'm glad that the players are getting closer to realizing their dream of a) getting a prominent white man fired and b) being more comfortable taking punishment from a black commissioner. The Goodell witch hunt is nearly as disgusting as Rice's act.

This got overlooked, and deserves credit for outstanding stupidity.

 

[Tom Servo]

. I'm glad that the players are getting closer to realizing their dream of a) getting a prominent white man fired and b) being more comfortable taking punishment from a black commissioner. The Goodell witch hunt is nearly as disgusting as Rice's act.

This got overlooked, and deserves credit for outstanding stupidity.

Do. Not. Feed. The. Troll.

 

[fatness]

The pretrial intervention program offered to Ray Rice in the assault case involving his wife was granted in less than 1 percent of all domestic violence assault cases from 2010-13 that were resolved, according to New Jersey Judiciary data obtained Friday by "Outside the Lines."

In 2013, for example, 15,130 domestic violence cases made their way through the New Jersey court system. Of those, 3,508 involved some level of assault. Of those, 30 cases -- less than 1 percent -- wound up with pretrial intervention as the outcome (496 domestic assault cases from 2013 were unresolved).

Rice's legal punishment has drawn sharp criticism from legal quarters in New Jersey and beyond since TMZ Sports released a new video of Rice striking his now-wife in a casino elevator.

"I was stunned" about Rice's case, said Donna D'Andrea, a legal advocate for The Women's Center, a domestic violence and sexual abuse center in Linwood, New Jersey. "I'm outraged ... I believed PTI was an inappropriate response in this case."

In her nearly 30 years of experience, D'Andrea said she could not recall a single other aggravated assault case being accepted into the pretrial intervention program. "None of it makes any sense on why this was allowed," she said. "Usually, there is a plea deal to a lesser charge so the person is put into the system and can be monitored. They didn't do that here. None of it makes any sense why this was allowed to happen this way. ... It's baffling. I don't know why the prosecutor decided to do this."

Richard Sparaco, a defense attorney practicing for more than 30 years in Atlantic County, said, "I can't say I've ever had a violent crime of this nature accepted into the PTI -- in any county."

Sparaco said it was likely Rice's wife had endorsed Rice's acceptance into PTI, but he said that would not have made the situation unique. He said many alleged victims of domestic violence want to drop charges or do not want to pursue a criminal investigation, but prosecutors still file charges. "With this type of domestic violence and the video that we've all seen now," Sparaco said, "you'd have to say if a prosecutor sees that video, it would be quite surprising to us defense attorneys to see acceptance into the PTI program."

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/11514871/judicial-figures-show-ray-rice-deal-offered-rarely

 

[Tom Servo]

Oof.

 

[Mister CIA]

In 2013, for example, 15,130 domestic violence cases made their way through the New Jersey court system. Of those, 3,508 involved some level of assault. Of those, 30 cases -- less than 1 percent -- wound up with pretrial intervention as the outcome (496 domestic assault cases from 2013 were unresolved).

Can you explain to me how 77% of domestic violence cases in New Jersey do not involve some level of assault?

 

[Yankee23Fan]

In 2013, for example, 15,130 domestic violence cases made their way through the New Jersey court system. Of those, 3,508 involved some level of assault. Of those, 30 cases -- less than 1 percent -- wound up with pretrial intervention as the outcome (496 domestic assault cases from 2013 were unresolved).

Can you explain to me how 77% of domestic violence cases in New Jersey do not involve some level of assault?

Threats and throwing things that don't connect with the target count.

 

[Mister CIA]

In 2013, for example, 15,130 domestic violence cases made their way through the New Jersey court system. Of those, 3,508 involved some level of assault. Of those, 30 cases -- less than 1 percent -- wound up with pretrial intervention as the outcome (496 domestic assault cases from 2013 were unresolved).

Can you explain to me how 77% of domestic violence cases in New Jersey do not involve some level of assault?

Threats and throwing things that don't connect with the target count.

Gracias. I'm reminded of the time my ex threw a glass ashtray at me and missed.

 

[Gandalf the Grey]

The pretrial intervention program offered to Ray Rice in the assault case involving his wife was granted in less than 1 percent of all domestic violence assault cases from 2010-13 that were resolved, according to New Jersey Judiciary data obtained Friday by "Outside the Lines."

In 2013, for example, 15,130 domestic violence cases made their way through the New Jersey court system. Of those, 3,508 involved some level of assault. Of those, 30 cases -- less than 1 percent -- wound up with pretrial intervention as the outcome (496 domestic assault cases from 2013 were unresolved).

Rice's legal punishment has drawn sharp criticism from legal quarters in New Jersey and beyond since TMZ Sports released a new video of Rice striking his now-wife in a casino elevator.

"I was stunned" about Rice's case, said Donna D'Andrea, a legal advocate for The Women's Center, a domestic violence and sexual abuse center in Linwood, New Jersey. "I'm outraged ... I believed PTI was an inappropriate response in this case."

In her nearly 30 years of experience, D'Andrea said she could not recall a single other aggravated assault case being accepted into the pretrial intervention program. "None of it makes any sense on why this was allowed," she said. "Usually, there is a plea deal to a lesser charge so the person is put into the system and can be monitored. They didn't do that here. None of it makes any sense why this was allowed to happen this way. ... It's baffling. I don't know why the prosecutor decided to do this."

Richard Sparaco, a defense attorney practicing for more than 30 years in Atlantic County, said, "I can't say I've ever had a violent crime of this nature accepted into the PTI -- in any county."

Sparaco said it was likely Rice's wife had endorsed Rice's acceptance into PTI, but he said that would not have made the situation unique. He said many alleged victims of domestic violence want to drop charges or do not want to pursue a criminal investigation, but prosecutors still file charges. "With this type of domestic violence and the video that we've all seen now," Sparaco said, "you'd have to say if a prosecutor sees that video, it would be quite surprising to us defense attorneys to see acceptance into the PTI program."

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/11514871/judicial-figures-show-ray-rice-deal-offered-rarely

I think I read that McClain got his law degree from Rutgers, thought that was interesting. Just read that the ex FBI guy appointed as independent investigator works for the law firm that negotiated a multibillion dollar DirectTv deal (I assume recently) for the NFL, and the two owners overseeing it are two of Goodell's biggest supporters (according to the article).

Very smelly.

 

[dparker713]

The pretrial intervention program offered to Ray Rice in the assault case involving his wife was granted in less than 1 percent of all domestic violence assault cases from 2010-13 that were resolved, according to New Jersey Judiciary data obtained Friday by "Outside the Lines."

In 2013, for example, 15,130 domestic violence cases made their way through the New Jersey court system. Of those, 3,508 involved some level of assault. Of those, 30 cases -- less than 1 percent -- wound up with pretrial intervention as the outcome (496 domestic assault cases from 2013 were unresolved).

Rice's legal punishment has drawn sharp criticism from legal quarters in New Jersey and beyond since TMZ Sports released a new video of Rice striking his now-wife in a casino elevator.

"I was stunned" about Rice's case, said Donna D'Andrea, a legal advocate for The Women's Center, a domestic violence and sexual abuse center in Linwood, New Jersey. "I'm outraged ... I believed PTI was an inappropriate response in this case."

In her nearly 30 years of experience, D'Andrea said she could not recall a single other aggravated assault case being accepted into the pretrial intervention program. "None of it makes any sense on why this was allowed," she said. "Usually, there is a plea deal to a lesser charge so the person is put into the system and can be monitored. They didn't do that here. None of it makes any sense why this was allowed to happen this way. ... It's baffling. I don't know why the prosecutor decided to do this."

Richard Sparaco, a defense attorney practicing for more than 30 years in Atlantic County, said, "I can't say I've ever had a violent crime of this nature accepted into the PTI -- in any county."

Sparaco said it was likely Rice's wife had endorsed Rice's acceptance into PTI, but he said that would not have made the situation unique. He said many alleged victims of domestic violence want to drop charges or do not want to pursue a criminal investigation, but prosecutors still file charges. "With this type of domestic violence and the video that we've all seen now," Sparaco said, "you'd have to say if a prosecutor sees that video, it would be quite surprising to us defense attorneys to see acceptance into the PTI program."

http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/11514871/judicial-figures-show-ray-rice-deal-offered-rarely

Do they have statistics on the number of those 3508 cases that involve a first time offenders and/or people using private counsel? I'm guess those aren't that common either.

 

[Todd Andrews]

I think some of you may have an incorrect view of Goodell.

 

[Todd Andrews]

Oooooffff...

 

[Koya]

I just watched Bob Ley, Dungy and some smart chick rip Goodell a new one. Bruschi apparently called for his resignation? Ted's usually a more level head, no?

Remember, he NEEDS the players, and union, to really instill meaningful change here. And he's not exactly loved among that group. You don't think other past issues is not going to come to light right now? It feels like vendetta time, and the holier than thou's who dole out harsh discipline are pretty attractive targets.

 

[17seconds]

Somewhere Michael Pittman is thanking his lucky stars he played in the early '00s.

Pittman only got 3 games after this conviction in 2004, which was actually reported in 2003 after he won the SB with the Bucs. Today he would have been out of the NFL as soon as the story came out in 2003.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=1826233

 

[comfortably numb]

While an opinion not likely to get a ton of support on a site called footballguys, I'm personally taking this season off as a fan, unless the leadership changes. For me, it's not just the soft stance on violence against women. I feel like science has caught up to the game and it's brutally horrible for the players' long term health. Players are getting stronger and faster and the health problems have been measure to start early (high school) and manifest themselves as permanent ailments earlier (40s, 50s). I don't know what should be done, frankly, but it's not creating a 1950s alternate male fantasy reality and supressing actual reality for more profit.

Obviously going to be in the serious minority here, but I can weather a few months away from the game.

education

as long as players are aware of the risks they are free to make the best informed decisions for their career path.

Like boxing, MMA or firefighters.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Oooooffff...

Goodell should be gone, Bisciotti should be forced to sell the team and Newsome should have his contract terminated as well. Disgusting.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

Oooooffff...

Goodell comes off the best in that story although that is sort of like being the tallest midget.

 

[Tom Skerritt]

Always liked Rachel Nichols, but I love her now. She called Goodell to task at the press conference. Goodell evaded all of her questions regarding him, and his role in the Rice coverup. I loved it. Hope it gets more traction.

 

[McGarnicle]

While an opinion not likely to get a ton of support on a site called footballguys, I'm personally taking this season off as a fan, unless the leadership changes. For me, it's not just the soft stance on violence against women. I feel like science has caught up to the game and it's brutally horrible for the players' long term health. Players are getting stronger and faster and the health problems have been measure to start early (high school) and manifest themselves as permanent ailments earlier (40s, 50s). I don't know what should be done, frankly, but it's not creating a 1950s alternate male fantasy reality and supressing actual reality for more profit.

Obviously going to be in the serious minority here, but I can weather a few months away from the game.

Good for you. I'm not quite there yet as I'm still heavily involved in FF and I still find the sport damn entertaining, but a lot of these issues are approaching critical mass. If Goodell doesn't step down, and it's unlikely he will, the sport is going to continue to spiral down toward pro wrestling territory. Just a complete sham. They already had significant issues with player safety, penalties, the Thursday night debacle, now the whole leadership structure lacks any credibility whatsoever. It's mind-boggling that the owners aren't pushing Goodell out.I lived and breathed baseball in my late teens and haven't cared about it in over 20 years. Wouldn't surprise me if within 10 years I'm just a casual fan of the NFL too...might watch more if the Giants are good but otherwise rarely tune in except for the playoffs & SB. Never thought I would feel this way before this past month.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Oooooffff...

Goodell should be gone, Bisciotti should be forced to sell the team and Newsome should have his contract terminated as well. Disgusting.

I posted in the Ravens thread that both Cass & Ozzie should probably go.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=687072&page=4

Bisciotti, I'm not so sure how he should (could?) be handled. Is Donald Sterling the standard now? How does different leagues' set-ups play into it? How slippery do we want to make the slope for forcing someone to sell a team? Jimmy Haslam still owns the Browns, after all.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Oooooffff...

Goodell should be gone, Bisciotti should be forced to sell the team and Newsome should have his contract terminated as well. Disgusting.

I posted in the Ravens thread that both Cass & Ozzie should probably go. http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=687072&page=4

Bisciotti, I'm not so sure how he should (could?) be handled. Is Donald Sterling the standard now? How does different leagues' set-ups play into it? How slippery do we want to make the slope for forcing someone to sell a team? Jimmy Haslam still owns the Browns, after all.

Yeah, I don't think there is anything that can really be done to force him to sell the team. He should be fined very heavily though. And if a true independent investigation shows that all those Ravens guys did what is alleged, then the Ravens should lose a bunch of draft picks too.

The NFL does have an ownership problem right now though. The Wilf's just paid a huge fine after being busted for fraud. Haslam committed fraud. Etc.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

While an opinion not likely to get a ton of support on a site called footballguys, I'm personally taking this season off as a fan, unless the leadership changes. For me, it's not just the soft stance on violence against women. I feel like science has caught up to the game and it's brutally horrible for the players' long term health. Players are getting stronger and faster and the health problems have been measure to start early (high school) and manifest themselves as permanent ailments earlier (40s, 50s). I don't know what should be done, frankly, but it's not creating a 1950s alternate male fantasy reality and supressing actual reality for more profit.

Obviously going to be in the serious minority here, but I can weather a few months away from the game.

Why are you concerned about players health? They know the risks and they are rewarded handsomely for it. Do you worry yourself over a desk jockeys risk of developing carpel tunnel or back problems?

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Oooooffff...

Goodell should be gone, Bisciotti should be forced to sell the team and Newsome should have his contract terminated as well. Disgusting.

I posted in the Ravens thread that both Cass & Ozzie should probably go. http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=687072&page=4

Bisciotti, I'm not so sure how he should (could?) be handled. Is Donald Sterling the standard now? How does different leagues' set-ups play into it? How slippery do we want to make the slope for forcing someone to sell a team? Jimmy Haslam still owns the Browns, after all.

Yeah, I don't think there is anything that can really be done to force him to sell the team. He should be fined very heavily though. And if a true independent investigation shows that all those Ravens guys did what is alleged, then the Ravens should lose a bunch of draft picks too.

The NFL does have an ownership problem right now though. The Wilf's just paid a huge fine after being busted for fraud. Haslam committed fraud. Etc.

They've ALWAYS had an ownership problem. Let's at least own our hypocrisy and our wanting to bury our heads in the sand as part of this because we like being fans better than we like not watching the NFL due to our morals. Just because things are more transparent now doesn't mean there haven't always been scumbag owners/execs/players for 80 years (cite & reference: a bazillion instances from 1920 to 2014).

 

[Koya]

Oooooffff...

Goodell should be gone, Bisciotti should be forced to sell the team and Newsome should have his contract terminated as well. Disgusting.

I posted in the Ravens thread that both Cass & Ozzie should probably go. http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=687072&page=4

Bisciotti, I'm not so sure how he should (could?) be handled. Is Donald Sterling the standard now? How does different leagues' set-ups play into it? How slippery do we want to make the slope for forcing someone to sell a team? Jimmy Haslam still owns the Browns, after all.

Yeah, I don't think there is anything that can really be done to force him to sell the team. He should be fined very heavily though. And if a true independent investigation shows that all those Ravens guys did what is alleged, then the Ravens should lose a bunch of draft picks too.The NFL does have an ownership problem right now though. The Wilf's just paid a huge fine after being busted for fraud. Haslam committed fraud. Etc.

How do the Ravens lose a bunch of picks if the league was somehow complicit here? Such a ####ed up issue. No one seems to have done right, although at least it sounds like Harbaugh tried.

 

[dschuler]

Oooooffff...

Goodell should be gone, Bisciotti should be forced to sell the team and Newsome should have his contract terminated as well. Disgusting.

I posted in the Ravens thread that both Cass & Ozzie should probably go. http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=687072&page=4

Bisciotti, I'm not so sure how he should (could?) be handled. Is Donald Sterling the standard now? How does different leagues' set-ups play into it? How slippery do we want to make the slope for forcing someone to sell a team? Jimmy Haslam still owns the Browns, after all.

Yeah, I don't think there is anything that can really be done to force him to sell the team. He should be fined very heavily though. And if a true independent investigation shows that all those Ravens guys did what is alleged, then the Ravens should lose a bunch of draft picks too.

The NFL does have an ownership problem right now though. The Wilf's just paid a huge fine after being busted for fraud. Haslam committed fraud. Etc.

They've ALWAYS had an ownership problem. Let's at least own our hypocrisy and our wanting to bury our heads in the sand as part of this because we like being fans better than we like not watching the NFL due to our morals. Just because things are more transparent now doesn't mean there haven't always been scumbag owners/execs/players for 80 years (cite & reference: a bazillion instances from 1920 to 2014).

These owners are billionaires. At any given time there are hundreds of law suits against these people. They could lock themselves up in a room and people would still be suing them. It's because they are worth so much and are so powerful.

 

[GroveDiesel]

Oooooffff...

Goodell should be gone, Bisciotti should be forced to sell the team and Newsome should have his contract terminated as well. Disgusting.

I posted in the Ravens thread that both Cass & Ozzie should probably go. http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=687072&page=4

Bisciotti, I'm not so sure how he should (could?) be handled. Is Donald Sterling the standard now? How does different leagues' set-ups play into it? How slippery do we want to make the slope for forcing someone to sell a team? Jimmy Haslam still owns the Browns, after all.

Yeah, I don't think there is anything that can really be done to force him to sell the team. He should be fined very heavily though. And if a true independent investigation shows that all those Ravens guys did what is alleged, then the Ravens should lose a bunch of draft picks too.The NFL does have an ownership problem right now though. The Wilf's just paid a huge fine after being busted for fraud. Haslam committed fraud. Etc.

They've ALWAYS had an ownership problem. Let's at least own our hypocrisy and our wanting to bury our heads in the sand as part of this because we like being fans better than we like not watching the NFL due to our morals. Just because things are more transparent now doesn't mean there haven't always been scumbag owners/execs/players for 80 years (cite & reference: a bazillion instances from 1920 to 2014).

Just because people have chosen to bury their heads in the past, doesn't mean we can't try to do better now IMO.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Oooooffff...

Goodell should be gone, Bisciotti should be forced to sell the team and Newsome should have his contract terminated as well. Disgusting.

I posted in the Ravens thread that both Cass & Ozzie should probably go. http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=687072&page=4

Bisciotti, I'm not so sure how he should (could?) be handled. Is Donald Sterling the standard now? How does different leagues' set-ups play into it? How slippery do we want to make the slope for forcing someone to sell a team? Jimmy Haslam still owns the Browns, after all.

Yeah, I don't think there is anything that can really be done to force him to sell the team. He should be fined very heavily though. And if a true independent investigation shows that all those Ravens guys did what is alleged, then the Ravens should lose a bunch of draft picks too.The NFL does have an ownership problem right now though. The Wilf's just paid a huge fine after being busted for fraud. Haslam committed fraud. Etc.

They've ALWAYS had an ownership problem. Let's at least own our hypocrisy and our wanting to bury our heads in the sand as part of this because we like being fans better than we like not watching the NFL due to our morals. Just because things are more transparent now doesn't mean there haven't always been scumbag owners/execs/players for 80 years (cite & reference: a bazillion instances from 1920 to 2014).

Just because people have chosen to bury their heads in the past, doesn't mean we can't try to do better now IMO.

Of course, but your "NFL does have an ownership problem RIGHT NOW" reads like this is something new. Carroll Rosenbloom, Bill Bidwell, Al Davis, Robert Irsay, GP Marshall, the lionized Tim Mara & Art Rooney & George Halas - they all did despicable things and skated.

 

[fatness]

These owners are billionaires. At any given time there are hundreds of law suits against these people.

Baloney.

 

[McGarnicle]

These owners are billionaires. At any given time there are hundreds of law suits against these people.

Baloney.

I sued Robert Kraft once. It was all bs but we settled for $60 million.

 

[Henry Ford]

These owners are billionaires. At any given time there are hundreds of law suits against these people.

Baloney.

I sued Robert Kraft once. It was all bs but we settled for $60 million.

Should have held out.

 

[Koya]

Now, it's impossible to really trust any of our main characters, but today's NY Daily News says both Rice and his attorney gave Goodell a very detailed, straight up account of what happened.

If that's true, he's really done. And more fallout to come. But again, everyone has an agenda here.

 

[Ned]

Ahhhhhhhhh, more Ray Lewis.

 

[The General]

Hey Ray, you sanctimonious, self righteous, bag of wind. S T F U.

unbelievable

 

[McGarnicle]

Hey Ray, you sanctimonious, self righteous, bag of wind. S T F U.

unbelievable

Really don't understand ESPN hiring him. What a POS.

 

[T Bell]

Hey Ray, you sanctimonious, self righteous, bag of wind. S T F U.

unbelievable

Really don't understand ESPN hiring him. What a POS.

He's an inspiring leader and the voice of the people, you racist!

 

[rascal]

Hey Ray, you sanctimonious, self righteous, bag of wind. S T F U.

unbelievable

Wow

 

[Guest]

This may be worthy of its own topic, but somewhat related. Good synopsis of history of helmets versus brain injuries. I'd move that there needs to be a further evolution and maybe other changes, as a natural progression.

http://www.wolterskluwer.com/Press/Latest-News/Pages/Press%20Releases/2014/pr22Sep2014b.aspx#.VCFVHOdZ-p4

 

[Tom Servo]

Ruh-roh George...

 

[Doug B]

Ruh-roh George...

And here I was thinking Goodell was now totally out of the water with the Ray Rice stuff. Let's see if anything sticks here.

EDIT: Reading through the article fully, it doesn't look anyone can yet prove that anyone high up in NFL leadership actually viewed the video. That's going to be the sticking point here. If truly new bombshells don't drop, the absolutely worst that will happen is that some low-level person(s) at the NFL office get the axe. And since those people aren't public figures, even that much may be unnecessary.

...

It was pretty telling that after Steve Bisciotti's press conference the other day, nothing was posted to this thread. The FFA had apparently moved on from the Ray Rice stuff, and I think the general public had as well. Wondering if new allegations against the league office will keep slow-dripping out and lead to any kind of real change.