Roger Goodell (1 Viewer)

[AnonymousBob]

I've seen several people compain the guy has been unfair when it comes to suspensions/fines/etc. I'd like to get everyone's opinion.

I do not know all the facts and all the cases, but it has been my impression that he has not necessarily treated all players/coaches/teams with the same equality. I could very well be wrong but that is the impression I have.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

I can't make heads or tails of his decisions.

 

[Godsbrother]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

 

[porkins]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

What would hurt a coach/team more?Losing a 1st round pick, or suspending the coach for a few games?There are assistant coaches that could probably fill in. That already kinds know what should be done.It's damn hard to replace a 1st round pick.Not to mention half a million dollars.

 

[Max Power]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

What would hurt a coach/team more?Losing a 1st round pick, or suspending the coach for a few games?There are assistant coaches that could probably fill in. That already kinds know what should be done.It's damn hard to replace a 1st round pick.Not to mention half a million dollars.

...All I need to say is Wade Wilson.

 

[Godsbrother]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

What would hurt a coach/team more?Losing a 1st round pick, or suspending the coach for a few games?There are assistant coaches that could probably fill in. That already kinds know what should be done.It's damn hard to replace a 1st round pick.Not to mention half a million dollars.

It is not so hard to replace a 1st round pick when you have 2 of them and Belichick almost immediately received a contact extension that more than made up for the $500,000. But that is beside the point -- if you want to show you won't tolerate cheating then suspend him for 8 games if not the whole season. That would send a out a clear message.

 

[Wilbur Wood]

Free Pac Man now!!!!!!!!

 

[ChuckLiddell]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

What would hurt a coach/team more?Losing a 1st round pick, or suspending the coach for a few games?

There are assistant coaches that could probably fill in. That already kinds know what should be done.

It's damn hard to replace a 1st round pick.

Not to mention half a million dollars.

...All I need to say is Wade Wilson.

Right on the money. He tries to get a hard on, and gets 5 games. Billy B takes the integrity of the NFL and flushes it down the toilet, and he gets no suspension. At the time, I thought that he should have been banned from the NFL forever based upon what he did relative to what Wade Wilson did. At the minimum, he should have been suspended for the season if you are looking for consistency where the punishment fits the crime. The team paid a high price by losing the 1st rounder. Billy B got off pretty easy though IMO. Personally, I lost respect for the league office based upon what Wade got versus what BB got.

 

[phthalatemagic]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

What would hurt a coach/team more?Losing a 1st round pick, or suspending the coach for a few games?There are assistant coaches that could probably fill in. That already kinds know what should be done.It's damn hard to replace a 1st round pick.Not to mention half a million dollars.

It is not so hard to replace a 1st round pick when you have 2 of them and Belichick almost immediately received a contact extension that more than made up for the $500,000. But that is beside the point -- if you want to show you won't tolerate cheating then suspend him for 8 games if not the whole season. That would send a out a clear message.

The 500K was a fake penalty which will just come from Kraft, but you can't discount the draft pick penalty. Belichick earned that pick and all the other picks he got. Merely saying he has more from good trades doesn't make sense to me. I'm on board with the suspension thing though. The greatest travesty was the destruction of the evidence. Why did Goddell do that?

 

[NorrisB]

How the hell he could give Odell a two year suspension is beyond me

 

[tombonneau]

I won't include the Pats scandal/punishment in my opinion because that's such an outlier of a situation, but I thought he was way harsh on Pacman and Lady Chris Henry.

I don't believe Pacman has even been convicted of anything, has he? Yet he's been suspended a whole year.

I think if the NFL was really concerned with an individual like that, they wouldn't essentially black ball him from the league. 16 games is a crazy suspension. He was clearly made into the poster child for the The New World Order, which I think is unfair.

Leonard Little killed two people. Ray Lewis was involved with murder charges. Neither of these guys sniffed Pacman's punishment. In fact, Lewis was only fined.

And it bears repeating: Leonard Little killed two people.

 

[BoltBacker]

Ray Lewis was involved with murder charges. Neither of these guys sniffed Pacman's punishment. In fact, Lewis was only fined.

Didn't that happen six years before Goodell was commish?

 

[thayman]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

Because players cheating is a bigger problem that effects the bottom line of the NFL than coaches video taping other teams signals.

 

[Tommy Collins]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

Because players cheating is a bigger problem that effects the bottom line of the NFL than coaches video taping other teams signals.

Cheating is cheating. Merriman was suspended for testing positive 1/20 times.

 

[switz]

I've seen several people compain the guy has been unfair when it comes to suspensions/fines/etc. I'd like to get everyone's opinion.I do not know all the facts and all the cases, but it has been my impression that he has not necessarily treated all players/coaches/teams with the same equality. I could very well be wrong but that is the impression I have.

The fact that every person doesn't get a blanket punishment is the definition of fairness. Goodell tries to take into consideration the player as an individual. Perfect? No, but better than most.

 

[thayman]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

Because players cheating is a bigger problem that effects the bottom line of the NFL than coaches video taping other teams signals.

Cheating is cheating. Merriman was suspended for testing positive 1/20 times.

In theory yes. But trying to steal signs does not equal taking a banned substance. The NFL does not want to become the NBA, the public perception of stealing signs is very different from steriod abuse and criminal behavior.

 

[Slinger]

I don't believe Pacman has even been convicted of anything, has he? Yet he's been suspended a whole year.

He still managed to embarrassed himself, his team and the NFL beyond belief with his actions. Goodell isn't going to wait for the U.S. legal system (which is flawed) to do their job. Goodell is the law and for that he's great for the NFL.

 

[Tommy Collins]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

Because players cheating is a bigger problem that effects the bottom line of the NFL than coaches video taping other teams signals.

Cheating is cheating. Merriman was suspended for testing positive 1/20 times.

In theory yes. But trying to steal signs does not equal taking a banned substance. The NFL does not want to become the NBA, the public perception of stealing signs is very different from steriod abuse and criminal behavior.

Criminal behavior isn't cheating and they were suspended. BB was caught cheating and fined. If I were Pacman I'd sue.

 

[thayman]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

Because players cheating is a bigger problem that effects the bottom line of the NFL than coaches video taping other teams signals.

Cheating is cheating. Merriman was suspended for testing positive 1/20 times.

In theory yes. But trying to steal signs does not equal taking a banned substance. The NFL does not want to become the NBA, the public perception of stealing signs is very different from steriod abuse and criminal behavior.

Criminal behavior isn't cheating and they were suspended. BB was caught cheating and fined. If I were Pacman I'd sue.

You would sue on what grounds? That you got arrested 10 times and was involved in a shootout. And for some reason that is just as bad as a coach trying to steal signs?ETA: Criminal behavior has the potential to impact the NFL's bottom line, therefore bigger deal to them.

 

[encaitar]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

What would hurt a coach/team more?Losing a 1st round pick, or suspending the coach for a few games?

There are assistant coaches that could probably fill in. That already kinds know what should be done.

It's damn hard to replace a 1st round pick.

Not to mention half a million dollars.

...All I need to say is Wade Wilson.

Right on the money. He tries to get a hard on, and gets 5 games. Billy B takes the integrity of the NFL and flushes it down the toilet, and he gets no suspension. At the time, I thought that he should have been banned from the NFL forever based upon what he did relative to what Wade Wilson did. At the minimum, he should have been suspended for the season if you are looking for consistency where the punishment fits the crime. The team paid a high price by losing the 1st rounder. Billy B got off pretty easy though IMO. Personally, I lost respect for the league office based upon what Wade got versus what BB got.

It wasn't even this. He bought HGH to control his DIABETES. This is not a disease to laugh at. My father could barely walk two years ago because of Diabetes. He got a prescription for HGH and now can not only walk, but can jog, which helps him lose weight and control his diabetes even more. The NFL suspended Wilson 5 games for trying to control a disease that can kill him. They also took over 1/4 of his salary in a fine. Belichick is caught cheating on the field and gets no suspension and is only fined 1/10 of his salary? How anyone can say that Goodell is being fair is beyond me. Even if he were looking at it from a person to person basis, he was way wrong on this one. Not because of what he did to BB, because that was harsh and I thought was fair, but what he did to Wade Wilson was way out of line.

 

[Road Warriors]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

What would hurt a coach/team more?Losing a 1st round pick, or suspending the coach for a few games?

There are assistant coaches that could probably fill in. That already kinds know what should be done.

It's damn hard to replace a 1st round pick.

Not to mention half a million dollars.

...All I need to say is Wade Wilson.

Right on the money. He tries to get a hard on, and gets 5 games. Billy B takes the integrity of the NFL and flushes it down the toilet, and he gets no suspension. At the time, I thought that he should have been banned from the NFL forever based upon what he did relative to what Wade Wilson did. At the minimum, he should have been suspended for the season if you are looking for consistency where the punishment fits the crime. The team paid a high price by losing the 1st rounder. Billy B got off pretty easy though IMO. Personally, I lost respect for the league office based upon what Wade got versus what BB got.

It wasn't even this. He bought HGH to control his DIABETES. This is not a disease to laugh at. My father could barely walk two years ago because of Diabetes. He got a prescription for HGH and now can not only walk, but can jog, which helps him lose weight and control his diabetes even more. The NFL suspended Wilson 5 games for trying to control a disease that can kill him. They also took over 1/4 of his salary in a fine. Belichick is caught cheating on the field and gets no suspension and is only fined 1/10 of his salary? How anyone can say that Goodell is being fair is beyond me. Even if he were looking at it from a person to person basis, he was way wrong on this one. Not because of what he did to BB, because that was harsh and I thought was fair, but what he did to Wade Wilson was way out of line.

The Belichick issue and the Wilson issue were not the same. Its apples and oranges. I'm passing no judgement on the BB ruling.Banned substances has a particular penalty in the NFL. Players and coaches alike. Was the Wilson's HGH subscribed by a licensed physician? If so, I'd say Goodell was WAY off base, as it is part of a medical treatment and doesn't impact the game. Was the HGH illegally obtained? Then its no different than any other member of the NFL breaking the substance program and, as explained, 1 game longer suspension because he wants to hold the coach to a higher standard.

Let me ask you a question... If you had a disease that could kill you, would you acquire illegal substances to combat it, or would you go to a Doctor and follow their prescription?

 

[Phurfur]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

Because players cheating is a bigger problem that effects the bottom line of the NFL than coaches video taping other teams signals.

Cheating is cheating. Merriman was suspended for testing positive 1/20 times.

In theory yes. But trying to steal signs does not equal taking a banned substance. The NFL does not want to become the NBA, the public perception of stealing signs is very different from steriod abuse and criminal behavior.

Criminal behavior isn't cheating and they were suspended. BB was caught cheating and fined. If I were Pacman I'd sue.

Or he could have him rubbed out!

 

[kevinray]

We have to remember that the NFL is a business and its rules and punishments aren't simply to deter and rehabilitate players, but to protect the leagues image. These two were repeat repeat repeat offenders of the code of conduct policy and were constant bad headlines for the league. One bad headline goes away pretty quickly and is much better for the league image then multiple stupid acts every month. That’s one of the main reasons why those two are still gone.

Edit to add:

I don't have much of a problem with the way the leagues handled the punishments so far. Thurman’s and Bill's could be debated but you need to remember that Odell had a probation issue the day before his hearing for reinstatement and the filming aspect of spy gate was the only crime the patriots were guilty of. They could have had the guy there memorizing signals, doing everything they did and worse and it would have been legal sans camera and I think that played into that penalty.

 

[fatness]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

Tough on players, not so tough on management, even destroys evidence for them.

 

[bostonfred]

The fact that every person doesn't get a blanket punishment is the definition of fairness.

Is that really how you'd define fairness?

 

[thayman]

The fact that every person doesn't get a blanket punishment is the definition of fairness.

Is that really how you'd define fairness?

In a sense. He's looking at each situation differently and taking it into context. Obviously you are seeing off-field issues take bigger penalties. The reason is the NFL is a marketing juggernaut they will not tolerate anyone tarnishing the image, or chasing away advertisments. As someone stated above, one bad headline goes away pretty quickly. Adam Jones getting arrested 10 times not so much.

 

[Vladislav Tretiak]

The other day a judge called Andy Reid's home a "drug emporium." Andy Reid is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Why has Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, been silent on this matter? Drugs found at the Reid home included a variety of street drugs as well as prescription drugs. Drug selling paraphernalia and guns were also found. Now none of this belonged to Andy Reid, it is his sons who are in trouble over this. However Michael Vick, quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was suspended from the NFL just over allegations that illegal activity was going on at a house that he owned. Why hasn't the NFL even said a word about Andy Reid?

What if a player had a home that his son, brother, daughter, etc...lived in and this happened? I bet Goodell would be coming down on them with the hammer of justice.

All though...didn't Reid pull the double standard when he started coaching the Iggle? Weren't some players busted in a car with some marijuana? Two were scrubs that were released and the third (Buckhalter) was kept.

 

[Loan Sharks]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

Union contract?

 

[Loan Sharks]

The other day a judge called Andy Reid's home a "drug emporium." Andy Reid is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Why has Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, been silent on this matter? Drugs found at the Reid home included a variety of street drugs as well as prescription drugs. Drug selling paraphernalia and guns were also found. Now none of this belonged to Andy Reid, it is his sons who are in trouble over this. However Michael Vick, quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was suspended from the NFL just over allegations that illegal activity was going on at a house that he owned. Why hasn't the NFL even said a word about Andy Reid?

What if a player had a home that his son, brother, daughter, etc...lived in and this happened? I bet Goodell would be coming down on them with the hammer of justice.

All though...didn't Reid pull the double standard when he started coaching the Iggle? Weren't some players busted in a car with some marijuana? Two were scrubs that were released and the third (Buckhalter) was kept.

So you think Vick was suspended for "illegal activity going on in a house he owned" really? You think that was why he was suspended? It wasn't the fact that he was running the illegal acitivity, but that it was in his house, right?

Let me guess, you also think that Vick is going to prison for some activities he had nothing to do with, but instead was unfortunate enough to have someone else commit a crime in his house.

 

[SSOG]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

The substance abuse policy states that a player who takes steroids, which is a drug that would actually enhance their performance, gets a 4-game suspension. A Dallas coach takes steroids, which is a drug that HAS NO IMPACT WHATSOEVER ON HIS PERFORMANCE, and gets a 5-game suspension. The precedent is therefore set that the coaches are going to be held accountable to the same rules the players are, but will also be held to a higher standard. In that light, Belichick cheating (i.e. breaking a rule that ACTUALLY HAS AN IMPACT ON HIS PERFORMANCE) without getting a suspension is unbelievably hypocritical. It's not a question of whether the lost draft pick or the suspension would hurt the Patriots franchise more, because it isn't about hurting the franchise... it's about hurting BELICHICK, and forfeiting a first doesn't hurt him in the slightest. If he quits his job and goes elsewhere, the punishment doesn't follow him, because it's Patriot-specific. The loss of a 1st rounder is a penalty for the PATRIOTS. The only penalty for BELICHICK was the $500,000 fine, which is pretty much nothing- suspending him for half a season would result in far more in lost wages.Basically, the message that Goodell has sent is that, if you're a nobody with no name recognition, he'll bring the full force of his wrath down on you so that he can thump his chest and say he's tough... but if the casual fans know who you are, he'll bluster and moan, but won't punish you for your indiscretions if it might possibly hurt the NFL's bottom line.Edit: If Peyton Manning committed the exact same offenses that PacMan or Chris Henry committed, I am entirely convinced that he would have simply received a fine- probably one that would not come close to equaling the lost pay a suspension would have cost him. Is that a fair belief? Probably not, but if Goodell doesn't want me thinking that, he should perhaps dole out punishments with a little bit more consistency, regardless of name recognition.

 

[thayman]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

The substance abuse policy states that a player who takes steroids, which is a drug that would actually enhance their performance, gets a 4-game suspension. A Dallas coach takes steroids, which is a drug that HAS NO IMPACT WHATSOEVER ON HIS PERFORMANCE, and gets a 5-game suspension. The precedent is therefore set that the coaches are going to be held accountable to the same rules the players are, but will also be held to a higher standard. In that light, Belichick cheating (i.e. breaking a rule that ACTUALLY HAS AN IMPACT ON HIS PERFORMANCE) without getting a suspension is unbelievably hypocritical. It's not a question of whether the lost draft pick or the suspension would hurt the Patriots franchise more, because it isn't about hurting the franchise... it's about hurting BELICHICK, and forfeiting a first doesn't hurt him in the slightest. If he quits his job and goes elsewhere, the punishment doesn't follow him, because it's Patriot-specific. The loss of a 1st rounder is a penalty for the PATRIOTS. The only penalty for BELICHICK was the $500,000 fine, which is pretty much nothing- suspending him for half a season would result in far more in lost wages.Basically, the message that Goodell has sent is that, if you're a nobody with no name recognition, he'll bring the full force of his wrath down on you so that he can thump his chest and say he's tough... but if the casual fans know who you are, he'll bluster and moan, but won't punish you for your indiscretions if it might possibly hurt the NFL's bottom line.Edit: If Peyton Manning committed the exact same offenses that PacMan or Chris Henry committed, I am entirely convinced that he would have simply received a fine- probably one that would not come close to equaling the lost pay a suspension would have cost him. Is that a fair belief? Probably not, but if Goodell doesn't want me thinking that, he should perhaps dole out punishments with a little bit more consistency, regardless of name recognition.

You are right mostly, it comes down to dollars and cents for the NFL. However see Michael Vick, once he gets out of jail he will have a suspension from the NFL.

 

[thayman]

The other day a judge called Andy Reid's home a "drug emporium." Andy Reid is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Why has Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, been silent on this matter? Drugs found at the Reid home included a variety of street drugs as well as prescription drugs. Drug selling paraphernalia and guns were also found. Now none of this belonged to Andy Reid, it is his sons who are in trouble over this. However Michael Vick, quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was suspended from the NFL just over allegations that illegal activity was going on at a house that he owned. Why hasn't the NFL even said a word about Andy Reid?

What if a player had a home that his son, brother, daughter, etc...lived in and this happened? I bet Goodell would be coming down on them with the hammer of justice.

All though...didn't Reid pull the double standard when he started coaching the Iggle? Weren't some players busted in a car with some marijuana? Two were scrubs that were released and the third (Buckhalter) was kept.

You are wrong on alot of the things you seem to think about the Vick case. There is also a very large difference from Michael Vick breeding and fighting dogs vs. Andy Reid's kids doing drugs in a house he owns.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Leonard Little killed two people. Ray Lewis was involved with murder charges. Neither of these guys sniffed Pacman's punishment. In fact, Lewis was only fined.And it bears repeating: Leonard Little killed two people.

They did so under Goodells watch?

 

[thayman]

I won't include the Pats scandal/punishment in my opinion because that's such an outlier of a situation, but I thought he was way harsh on Pacman and Lady Chris Henry.I don't believe Pacman has even been convicted of anything, has he? Yet he's been suspended a whole year.I think if the NFL was really concerned with an individual like that, they wouldn't essentially black ball him from the league. 16 games is a crazy suspension. He was clearly made into the poster child for the The New World Order, which I think is unfair.Leonard Little killed two people. Ray Lewis was involved with murder charges. Neither of these guys sniffed Pacman's punishment. In fact, Lewis was only fined.And it bears repeating: Leonard Little killed two people.

Ray Lewis's and Leonard Little's issues did not happen when Goodell was the Commish, so you can't really blame those on him. Adam Jones has been suspended because he has been charged/questioned in regards to 10 felonies. How many times has Ray Lewis been in trouble since?? You are correct that Adam Jones has not been convicted of anything, yet he has a court date in a few weeks.Yes they made examples out of Adam Jones and Chris Henry, as they should have. The NFL does not want to become the NBA.

 

[Doug Drinen]

I understand that Goodell can't make all the details of these cases public, but I wish he would try to at least give some hint about how these decisions get made. In the absence of that, he seems arbitrary and capricious. Odell Thurman two years? Why? Give us at least a clue. Meanwhile, Jared Allen gets his suspension reduced from 4 to 2 games, how? By saying pretty please?

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

How many union grievances against Goodell has gone to a moderator, and how many have been found to be plausible.

'nuff said.

If you've got any problems with Goodell - you're disdain should probably be with the NFLPA and the collective bargaining agreement.

 

[kevinray]

Edit: If Peyton Manning committed the exact same offenses that PacMan or Chris Henry committed, I am entirely convinced that he would have simply received a fine- probably one that would not come close to equaling the lost pay a suspension would have cost him. Is that a fair belief? Probably not, but if Goodell doesn't want me thinking that, he should perhaps dole out punishments with a little bit more consistency, regardless of name recognition.

I don't agree. If any player screws up as much as Pac-man and Henry they're getting suspended. These guys had three to four active court dates going on at the same time and were still making headlines for dumb acts with police. That's inexcusable for an organization who is as public for the NFL and they are going to make sure your not going to disgrace them any more by not letting you play. One big mistake is far less damaging to the NFL's image then constant bad media every other month.

 

[kevinray]

I understand that Goodell can't make all the details of these cases public, but I wish he would try to at least give some hint about how these decisions get made. In the absence of that, he seems arbitrary and capricious. Odell Thurman two years? Why? Give us at least a clue. Meanwhile, Jared Allen gets his suspension reduced from 4 to 2 games, how? By saying pretty please?

He screwed up his probation right before his reinstatement. You can't do that. It was something minor but you can't get in trouble with the law while on league suspension and expect to be allowed to play ball under the Goodell era.edit: I haven't looked into Jarred Allen, but was he a repeat offender? I'm prety sure Odell was and that still plays a big role in how suspensions are looked at.

 

[Chaka]

The other day a judge called Andy Reid's home a "drug emporium." Andy Reid is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Why has Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, been silent on this matter? Drugs found at the Reid home included a variety of street drugs as well as prescription drugs. Drug selling paraphernalia and guns were also found. Now none of this belonged to Andy Reid, it is his sons who are in trouble over this. However Michael Vick, quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was suspended from the NFL just over allegations that illegal activity was going on at a house that he owned. Why hasn't the NFL even said a word about Andy Reid?

What if a player had a home that his son, brother, daughter, etc...lived in and this happened? I bet Goodell would be coming down on them with the hammer of justice.

All though...didn't Reid pull the double standard when he started coaching the Iggle? Weren't some players busted in a car with some marijuana? Two were scrubs that were released and the third (Buckhalter) was kept.

So you think Vick was suspended for "illegal activity going on in a house he owned" really? You think that was why he was suspended? It wasn't the fact that he was running the illegal acitivity, but that it was in his house, right?

Let me guess, you also think that Vick is going to prison for some activities he had nothing to do with, but instead was unfortunate enough to have someone else commit a crime in his house.

Goodell specifically commented on the fact that even if he wasn't involved Vick was responsible for the things that happened on his property.Without that specific comment I agree with you, however he said it so it leaves the door open for a double standard.

My guess is that there have been closed door discussions between the league office and Reid.

 

[Chaka]

Leonard Little killed two people. Ray Lewis was involved with murder charges. Neither of these guys sniffed Pacman's punishment. In fact, Lewis was only fined.And it bears repeating: Leonard Little killed two people.

Not to give him a free pass but you are misstating the facts.Little killed one person, Susan Gutweiler, in 1998 he served 90 days in jail, did 1000 hours of community service and was put on 4 years probation I do not know if this is standard punishment in Missouri or if he got special treatment. Little was pulled over in '04 again for DUI but was acquitted.

 

[BuckeyeArt]

I understand that Goodell can't make all the details of these cases public, but I wish he would try to at least give some hint about how these decisions get made. In the absence of that, he seems arbitrary and capricious. Odell Thurman two years? Why? Give us at least a clue. Meanwhile, Jared Allen gets his suspension reduced from 4 to 2 games, how? By saying pretty please?

He screwed up his probation right before his reinstatement. You can't do that. It was something minor but you can't get in trouble with the law while on league suspension and expect to be allowed to play ball under the Goodell era.edit: I haven't looked into Jarred Allen, but was he a repeat offender? I'm prety sure Odell was and that still plays a big role in how suspensions are looked at.

I don't think that's accurate. Here's his story:

Thurman, a star rookie middle linebacker in 2005 as a second-round draft pick from the University of Georgia, was suspended for the entire 2006 regular season for violation of the NFL's Substance Abuse Policy.

The league suspended Thurman for the first four games of 2006 after he skipped a drug test. The suspension was extended to a full season following his arrest on a drunken driving charge last September.

Thurman pleaded no contest to the charge in February, and a judge suspended all but six days of a 90-day sentence and ordered Thurman to serve those six days at a treatment center.

Thurman's bid for reinstatement was hindered by an incident in June in his hometown of Monticello, Ga. Two Georgia men accused Thurman of kicking and hitting them at a party, but they dropped their complaint.

LinkThis is the one instance I don't understand or think he's been fair. His suspension appears to have been extended a year because of an alleged altercation where he wasn't charged? Otherwise, it looks like Goodell is arbitrarily extending the Substance Abuse Policy suspension.

 

[kevinray]

I understand that Goodell can't make all the details of these cases public, but I wish he would try to at least give some hint about how these decisions get made. In the absence of that, he seems arbitrary and capricious. Odell Thurman two years? Why? Give us at least a clue. Meanwhile, Jared Allen gets his suspension reduced from 4 to 2 games, how? By saying pretty please?

He screwed up his probation right before his reinstatement. You can't do that. It was something minor but you can't get in trouble with the law while on league suspension and expect to be allowed to play ball under the Goodell era.edit: I haven't looked into Jarred Allen, but was he a repeat offender? I'm prety sure Odell was and that still plays a big role in how suspensions are looked at.

I don't think that's accurate. Here's his story:

Thurman, a star rookie middle linebacker in 2005 as a second-round draft pick from the University of Georgia, was suspended for the entire 2006 regular season for violation of the NFL's Substance Abuse Policy.

The league suspended Thurman for the first four games of 2006 after he skipped a drug test. The suspension was extended to a full season following his arrest on a drunken driving charge last September.

Thurman pleaded no contest to the charge in February, and a judge suspended all but six days of a 90-day sentence and ordered Thurman to serve those six days at a treatment center.

Thurman's bid for reinstatement was hindered by an incident in June in his hometown of Monticello, Ga. Two Georgia men accused Thurman of kicking and hitting them at a party, but they dropped their complaint.

LinkThis is the one instance I don't understand or think he's been fair. His suspension appears to have been extended a year because of an alleged altercation where he wasn't charged? Otherwise, it looks like Goodell is arbitrarily extending the Substance Abuse Policy suspension.

This is the story that occurred right before his reinstatement. He was set to be reinstated on July 26th and didn't meet with his probation officer on July 24th. A judge later dismissed those volition charges on September 5th but the judge ruled that Thurman would remain on probation.http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/conten...Nfl&id=3191

Aug. 1, 2007 - 4:03 p.m. ET

Suspended Bengals LB Odell Thurman recently violated his probation by failing to meet with his probation officer on July 24.

This may have led to the NFL's decision to uphold his suspension and tack on another year. Thurman also still owes money to the probation department.

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Jul. 26, 2007 - 11:26 a.m. ET

The Bengals announced that LB Odell Thurman will not be reinstated from his one-year suspension.

Most observers believed Thurman would be let back in the league, but he has had another year tacked onto his suspension. Thurman should be eligible for reinstatement at this time in 2008, although he'll have to keep his nose clean. It's tough news for the Bengals, who now desperately need Ahmad Brooks to emerge

 

[phthalatemagic]

If you've got any problems with Goodell - you're disdain should probably be with the NFLPA and the collective bargaining agreement.

Not when your problems with Goddell involve people that are not a part of the NFLPA. Then what? No, I'll stay mad at Goddell until he does the right thing.

 

[roadkill1292]

I think the fans should back off.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Still don't get him.

 

[BuckeyeArt]

Thurman, a star rookie middle linebacker in 2005 as a second-round draft pick from the University of Georgia, was suspended for the entire 2006 regular season for violation of the NFL's Substance Abuse Policy.

The league suspended Thurman for the first four games of 2006 after he skipped a drug test. The suspension was extended to a full season following his arrest on a drunken driving charge last September.

Thurman pleaded no contest to the charge in February, and a judge suspended all but six days of a 90-day sentence and ordered Thurman to serve those six days at a treatment center.

Thurman's bid for reinstatement was hindered by an incident in June in his hometown of Monticello, Ga. Two Georgia men accused Thurman of kicking and hitting them at a party, but they dropped their complaint.

LinkThis is the one instance I don't understand or think he's been fair. His suspension appears to have been extended a year because of an alleged altercation where he wasn't charged? Otherwise, it looks like Goodell is arbitrarily extending the Substance Abuse Policy suspension.

This is the story that occurred right before his reinstatement. He was set to be reinstated on July 26th and didn't meet with his probation officer on July 24th. A judge later dismissed those volition charges on September 5th but the judge ruled that Thurman would remain on probation.http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/conten...Nfl&id=3191

Aug. 1, 2007 - 4:03 p.m. ET

Suspended Bengals LB Odell Thurman recently violated his probation by failing to meet with his probation officer on July 24.

This may have led to the NFL's decision to uphold his suspension and tack on another year. Thurman also still owes money to the probation department.

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

Jul. 26, 2007 - 11:26 a.m. ET

The Bengals announced that LB Odell Thurman will not be reinstated from his one-year suspension.

Most observers believed Thurman would be let back in the league, but he has had another year tacked onto his suspension. Thurman should be eligible for reinstatement at this time in 2008, although he'll have to keep his nose clean. It's tough news for the Bengals, who now desperately need Ahmad Brooks to emerge

That makes a little more sense but a year? It seems excessive and out of proportion to the other suspensions.

 

[Tommy Collins]

The other day a judge called Andy Reid's home a "drug emporium." Andy Reid is the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Why has Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, been silent on this matter? Drugs found at the Reid home included a variety of street drugs as well as prescription drugs. Drug selling paraphernalia and guns were also found. Now none of this belonged to Andy Reid, it is his sons who are in trouble over this. However Michael Vick, quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons, was suspended from the NFL just over allegations that illegal activity was going on at a house that he owned. Why hasn't the NFL even said a word about Andy Reid?

What if a player had a home that his son, brother, daughter, etc...lived in and this happened? I bet Goodell would be coming down on them with the hammer of justice.

All though...didn't Reid pull the double standard when he started coaching the Iggle? Weren't some players busted in a car with some marijuana? Two were scrubs that were released and the third (Buckhalter) was kept.

Allegations? Vick did it. He confessed. And there was lots of evidence linking him to it. Eye witnesses, business partners, etc.As for Reid... I agree he should be looked at by the league. However, both his sons did go on record saying his father had no clue about the drugs. I don't know all the details, nobody does, but I think that's what has kept him out of Goodell's office.

 

[SSOG]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

The substance abuse policy states that a player who takes steroids, which is a drug that would actually enhance their performance, gets a 4-game suspension. A Dallas coach takes steroids, which is a drug that HAS NO IMPACT WHATSOEVER ON HIS PERFORMANCE, and gets a 5-game suspension. The precedent is therefore set that the coaches are going to be held accountable to the same rules the players are, but will also be held to a higher standard. In that light, Belichick cheating (i.e. breaking a rule that ACTUALLY HAS AN IMPACT ON HIS PERFORMANCE) without getting a suspension is unbelievably hypocritical. It's not a question of whether the lost draft pick or the suspension would hurt the Patriots franchise more, because it isn't about hurting the franchise... it's about hurting BELICHICK, and forfeiting a first doesn't hurt him in the slightest. If he quits his job and goes elsewhere, the punishment doesn't follow him, because it's Patriot-specific. The loss of a 1st rounder is a penalty for the PATRIOTS. The only penalty for BELICHICK was the $500,000 fine, which is pretty much nothing- suspending him for half a season would result in far more in lost wages.Basically, the message that Goodell has sent is that, if you're a nobody with no name recognition, he'll bring the full force of his wrath down on you so that he can thump his chest and say he's tough... but if the casual fans know who you are, he'll bluster and moan, but won't punish you for your indiscretions if it might possibly hurt the NFL's bottom line.Edit: If Peyton Manning committed the exact same offenses that PacMan or Chris Henry committed, I am entirely convinced that he would have simply received a fine- probably one that would not come close to equaling the lost pay a suspension would have cost him. Is that a fair belief? Probably not, but if Goodell doesn't want me thinking that, he should perhaps dole out punishments with a little bit more consistency, regardless of name recognition.

You are right mostly, it comes down to dollars and cents for the NFL. However see Michael Vick, once he gets out of jail he will have a suspension from the NFL.

That's a dollars and cents thing, too. The NFL loses money if they suspend Belichick, because the public doesn't view what he did as reprehensible enough to withdraw their support from the sport... but the NFL loses money if they DON'T suspend Michael Vick, because the public most certainly does believe that what HE did was reprehensible enough to withdraw their support from the sport.

 

[Obie Wan]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

What would hurt a coach/team more?Losing a 1st round pick, or suspending the coach for a few games?There are assistant coaches that could probably fill in. That already kinds know what should be done.It's damn hard to replace a 1st round pick.Not to mention half a million dollars.

It is not so hard to replace a 1st round pick when you have 2 of them and Belichick almost immediately received a contact extension that more than made up for the $500,000. But that is beside the point -- if you want to show you won't tolerate cheating then suspend him for 8 games if not the whole season. That would send a out a clear message.

even if suspended- he would cheat and direct things from home over the internet, etc.You want to punish them - forget the asterik- make them forfeit the Jets game- goodbye undefeated season. oh- and do a little more investigation and stop their continuing use of the illegal frequencies

 

[Obie Wan]

Not to turn this into an anti-Belichick thread but I just don't get how he can hand out suspensions for players caught cheating and not suspend a coach caught cheating.

Because players cheating is a bigger problem that effects the bottom line of the NFL than coaches video taping other teams signals.

The videotaping escapade was an orchestrated plan to divert all attention from the real cheating by using the illegal frequncies.The diversion has worked to perfection since the league ignored the frequncies and done nothing the Pats from continuing to use them in their run to an undeafeated season. Its no wonder the Pats can dominate when they can intercept the other teams live audio signals