A Few Noteworthy Stories and Reactions from around the NFL

by Blitzburgh on Mar 25, 2008 1:36 PM EDT in News Comment 7 comments

Team Goodell: League Police, are at it again. Take a look at the 49er's fanbase's take on the tampering incident involving Drew Rosenhaus, Lance Briggs, SF, and the Chicago Bears.

Here's the reaction from the Windy City. A nice dose of rationalization for the winners in the deal.

Where do you guys come down on this specifically, and more generally, on the contention that Goodell is shooting from the hip as it relates to him rewriting the rulebook in a way as he goes.

The folks at Arrowhead Pride continue to roll out their Community Mock Draft. The premise? Each reader selects a team, said reader selects for that team. Rinse, repeat. Any interest in conducting our own, perhaps going through 2 Rounds?

Is there any doubt the Jerry Jones will determine that he and his organization are the perfect fit for Pacman Jones? Jerry, Jerry, Jerry. In many ways, an incredible owner. In every conceivable way, an abominable GM.

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my thoughts

This is what I posted on the Niners site -

I think one question that you have to ask in all the weirdness that is Goodellland is: "Does the punishment fit the crime?" Lets see...

The Patriots violate a rule that was underscored during the spring meetings - no videotaping on the field during the game. Bellichick flings his finger in the face of the league, and gets a 'record-setting' fine, and the loss of a first rounder. Without spending too much time on a tired subject, it was a fairly harsh punishment at the time, but as more comes to light, we learn that the league shredded the evidence and that the Pats have been taping for a while now.

On the other hand, the Niners place two calls to an agent that are not even answered and there is no evidence that they ever even talked to Briggs, so they lose a pick AND have to trade down in the third? Let's be honest, the loss of a fifth rounder isn't too drastic, but coupled with a first-day move down...

I am not sure what exactly is going on down at NFL HQ, but it seems to me that punishments aren't being served equally. Players are suspended before even being proved guilty, teams are being punished without any evidence, and evidence is conveniently shredded in other cases.

Its hard to believe that 'tampering' is not widespread, since so many free agents are signed so quickly on the first day. That doesn't say any tampering is excused, a rule is a rule. But to single out the Niners is completely unfair.

I am becoming less and less a Goodell fan.

by steelerark on Mar 25, 2008 7:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't understand this Rosenhaus thing.

Two 49ers players are already clients of Rosenhaus, so it seems natural that the 49ers organization would be in contact with him regularly. I haven't seen any evidence produced that they contacted him regarding Briggs specifically (though I did just hear about this story).

So, in the event that anyone knows more than I do, please fill me in.

by HinesField on Mar 25, 2008 7:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Goodell

It certainly seems that in an effort to improve the image of the NFL, Goodell has actually succeeded in creating the opposite effect. And, as steelerark said, the punishments seem to be more arbitrary and don't necessarily fit the crimes.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Mar 26, 2008 10:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What really bugs me

I don't understand the NFL considering a rule against hair that covers a players' name on the back of his jersey. I've been behind Goodell in most of his actions and I even understand why he tried to sweep 'spygate' under the rug so quickly, but this just doesn't make sense. I don't understand the need to have every single player look the same. What is so wrong with a small amount of individuality? Let them wear different color socks, and dye their hair or grow it long.

by cgolden on Mar 26, 2008 2:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hair and spygate

Yeah, I had forgotten about the hair rule coming. What about Troy's case, where I have been told that it is part of his culture for warriors to have their hair down in battle? I'm not saying football is like war (we've had those comparisons before), but my understanding is that this is why Troy generally has hair pulled back except during games.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Mar 26, 2008 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oops, and spygate

Forgot to include my thought on spygate. I understand why it was swept under the rug as well. Like I said, the NFL doesn't want the black eye that baseball got. The only problem is that it looks like they should have done a more thorough investigation, and probably even steeper penalties against Belicheat. The fact that they are having to re-open it makes it look worse for them.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Mar 26, 2008 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

hair

Whats the big deal, you wanna get paid cut your hair. It's an appearance thing alot employers have this rule. Clean cut and presentable. Players get paid MILLIONS of dollars and there boss would like his employees to have a clean cut image, whats the big deal?

by bereadawg on Mar 28, 2008 12:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs