Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark has criticised NFL commissioner Roger Goodell over his handling of Colts owner Jim Isray's arrest back in March.
Isray was pulled over by police for driving 10-mph in a 35-mph zone, and was subsequently arrested after he slurred his speech and prescription pills were found in his car. In addition, Isray had $29,000 in cash on his person.
Goodell said this week ,speaking about potential punishment for the Colts owner, that "there have been no charges, the answer is until we have more information or more facts, we will let it play out". Basically saying he has no plans to impose a punishment on Isray any time soon.
Clark responded by saying...
"So when has having enough information been what Roger Goodell waits for to make these decisions?
I was on a team with a player who was never actually charged. There were acquisitions and allegations, but he was never actually charged or arrested."
Clark is referring to Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was suspended by Goodell for 6 games (reduced to four) in April 2010 without ever being charged or arrested for a crime.
Goodell was quick to punish Roethlisberger under the personal conduct policy which states "All persons associated with the NFL are required to avoid 'conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League."
Isray is also held responsible under this policy, however the actions of Goodell seem to stink of a double standard for a rich, powerful owner.
As Clark said,
"what more information do we need than these aren't you're prescription pills? You're obviously under the influence. You have $29,000. There would be no questions asked if this was a player.
...it shows the hypocrisy of the NFL, and also Roger Goodell in the way that he deals with players and the way that he deals with the people he works for."