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Goodell to Employ “Get It Right”… But Is That The Issue?

Grift Krehnbrink — Wed, 08 Oct 2014 01:54:23 +0000

South Park hit the nail on the head in its recent season premier mocking The Washington Redskins and the current state of the NFL. Roger Goodell spoke publicly for the first time on September 19th following the uproar over Adrian Peterson, Greg Hardy, and the Ray Rice tape. Goodell spoke of “doing better” in regards to domestic violence as well as being proactive in the community and in future league issues. That’s great, but how will this be accomplished? The commissioner of the most powerful sports league in North America did not come out with a plan of action. He spoke because he was being pressured. On Monday Night Countdown earlier that week, the entire panel at one point or another questioned the commissioner’s absence. They were the most visual of those demanding to hear a plan from the league’s leader. The media became relentless as the main voice to this issue while those in power in New York remained silent and in the war room. Now, I am against the actions of the players recently in the news, and I do believe the league needs to take greater action when their athletes find themselves in legal trouble. However, when did the media begin to lead the mob?

The public became outraged after seeing the video of Ray Rice and the league has been consistent in saying that they saw it with the rest of us. But, Goodell had already made a change to the domestic violence policy. Heck, he admitted he got it wrong the first time. Roger heard all about the KO blow from Rice first hand. What changed? We became witness. Capturing every moment on Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media outlet has become how we connect with each other as well as the larger community. Now the public has a true voice. If we Hashtag something enough, the world will hear our demands. This is exactly what occurred with the league office. It seems they took an American Idol approach to determining what to do after TMZ released the video. If the public votes enough, we will take even greater action than what is already in place. They decided to listen to those that pay them in television contracts, attendance, and memorabilia sales.

Media outlets do provide a good filter for the general voice, but they are not without fault. Nike, who took action against Adrian Peterson, pulled his jerseys from stores as well as issued a statement against his behavior. Excuse me, Phil Knight. Don’t you also lead the company that exploits child labor and low wages in the foreign markets? If you are against such treatment, then why not practice yourself. I guess it’s just good business. ESPN in the past has shown action against domestic violence and other issues. In 2011, they let go of Jay Mariotti from Around the Horn after an altercation with his then girlfriend. Yet, ESPN turns around and asks Terrell Suggs his opinion on Ray Rice? Suggs was accused of domestic violence and received the standard 2 game penalty. His story can be seen here: Seems legit to me. What he did to his girlfriend is much worse than a single punch, but we don’t have the video.

In the light of recent decisions beyond just the domestic violence issue, it seems the league has taken the approach of many NBA teams. Trade rumors come out from league sources to gauge the interest of fans in a way to better the brand, not the team’s play. After passing a new substance policy that had long been in the works, is the NFL doing the same? This was the balance of Josh Gordon’s punishment vs the original Rice suspension. This is the NFL saying that they can get it right, just tell them what is right. The owners trust Commissioner Goodell to make the final call in player discipline and policy as he is the sole voice in that realm, yet as of late he has allowed the media and general public to drive decisions. If the owners did what their fans asked, Paul Brown wouldn’t be running the Bengals today. It’s time for the NFL office to make proactive independent decisions.

Public opinion and media reporting are influenced by facts, but dominated by opinions. The law will always be the law. This is what the league and its player conduct policy should weigh first and foremost. Set an example for the youth player of what will and won’t be tolerated. Make it strict, and don’t waver. This is the only way to solve the woes that are currently harassing Goodell. “Football is not a right, it is a privilege.” “Ignorance is not an excuse.” If you throw these statements around, then enforce them. New stories and issues are a daily occurrence. That is how sports work. In a month, there will be a whole new issue facing the league office. If Roger Goodell wants to return to good standing, then it is time opinions and stories stop running this league and the man charged with the task does.

This is the first crack for Tim Weil as a sports writer. A University of Cincinnati student currently interning in Grand Rapids, MI, His main in hobbies consist of sports and craft beer. Always willing to speak his mind on both subjects, especially when put together. Catch much more by Tim on the NFL and other subjects on www.griftkrehnbrink.com.

Ryder Cup Preview

admin — Thu, 25 Sep 2014 23:35:28 +0000

Almost two years ago today, Chicago was the epicenter of the sporting world on a Sunday afternoon in September. It wasn’t because the Bears were starting their regular season with dreams of Jay Cutler hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. It wasn’t because the Bulls were preparing for a full season with Derrick Rose, and it certainly wasn’t because the Cubs were making a September push for the playoffs.

Medinah Country Club was rocking because the Americans were giving Europe the business. Chants of “Bubb-ah!” and “U-S-A” were resounding with 350-yard bombs, and you would have thought Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson were going to slap each other’s hands right off. America had a dominating 10-6 lead, and the country was ready for our boys to take back the Ryder Cup for the 26^th time.

Then, “The Miracle at Medinah” happened. Ian Poulter made 100 birdies, Rory McIlroy beat Keegan Bradley after literally rolling out of bed, and Martin Kaymer sunk a putt on the 17^th hole to steal the Ryder Cup right out from Team USA’s hands. The United States don’t get a left hook to the face very often—but we did that fateful Sunday afternoon. To make things worse, you don’t get a chance at redemption very quickly in the Ryder Cup. You have to wait 2 long, almost unbearable, years.

But, it is finally time. The Americans have been waiting for this moment for what seems like an eternity, and they packed their best punch by naming Tom Watson the team captain. Watson captained the last US squad to win a Ryder Cup on European soil (way back in 1993). He also boasts a 10-4-1 record as a player, so he knows how to win on golf’s biggest stage. Boy, oh boy, it is time for revenge.

Well, somebody forgot to remind the American golfers. Jordan Spieth shot an 81 last week and Phil did not once finish in the top half of the leaderboard during the FedEx Cup. Rickie Fowler and Jim Furyk are the only two golfers on the USofA who you could argue are playing well right now. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy looks like Tiger Woods’ second coming and Sergio Garcia is putting up more Top 10 finishes than if Kate Upton were on a “Wet T-Shirt Contest” tour.

Europe is a heavy favorite, with Vegas giving them a -225 money line that they will retain the cup. Every golf expert on the planet is picking them, and who would blame them? They have star power (4 out of the top 10 golfers in the world are on Europe’s squad) and they just simply do not lose in front of their home fans (again, haven’t lost in 21 years on their turf). Their players are a combined 69-42-18 (62%) in Ryder Cup play. The Americans are 45-52-19(46%). All signs point to Europe hoisting the little gold trophy.

Not so fast, my friend.

I believe the Americans have a lot more going for them than the experts think. First of all, Europe picked a course (Gleneagles) that was designed by Jack Nicklaus. It is a very “American” course, with plenty of green fairways, tree-lines, and water hazards. You aren’t going to tune in at 3am Friday morning and see brown fairways like The Open Championship. You’re going to think you are in the middle of Ohio enjoying a golf round at Muirfield Village. There are plenty of long par 3s and 5s which will favor the Americans’ length, and a few Par 4s that may be drive-able for the young American guns. Yes, European Captain Paul McGinley is trying to grow the rough out and put in some European touches around the course which will favor his boys. But, bottom line, you could not have picked a better European course for the Americans than one that was designed by The Golden Bear.

Secondly, Match Play rewards the players who can “go low.” Pars don’t win fourball, foursome, or singles match play matches. You want players who can bomb it, scramble when necessary, and put the ball in the hole. Hey, Europe, check out these 2014 numbers:

The American players, on average, make 1.4 more birdies per round than the Europeans.
The USA boys dominate in driving distance and scrambling, averaging more than 15 spots better on PGA Tour’s rankings in both categories. The men in stars and stripes rip the ball, averaging over 300 yards per drive. But when they miss, they can still make birdies in bunches.
USA’s 12 guys, on average, rank 18.9 spots better in total putting than the Europeans on the PGA Tour (8 players).

Sure, the Europeans rank 9.9 spots better than the Americans in driving accuracy. But who cares? Grow that rough out, McGinley— our much younger team can muscle it out of there no problem.

Finally, we have more motivation for a victory than any other Ryder Cup team in recent memory. 2012 was brutal—but 2010 was also a heart breaker after Hunter Mahan chunked a chip on the 18^th hole to leave USA’s comeback aspirations just barely short. Golf is a mental game—and these patriots have a lot of motivation to keep them extra focused this week.

So, dust off your Ian Poulter dartboards. Find that Bruce Springsteen album that is tucked somewhere behind your red, white, and blue swag. Get the skillet ready to go, and grab your favorite 12-pack of Sam Adams. Because at 3am this Friday morning, Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson will be chest bumping, Bubba Watson will be fist pumping, and Rickie Fowler will be euro-thumping. The Americans are going to take back what they should’ve seized in 2012.

Payback’s a bitch.

– David Clark

The Bengals or the Bungles?

Grift Krehnbrink — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 16:20:21 +0000

Nick Bachus takes a look at Cincinnati’s chances for finally getting to the promised land, and what it will take to do so.

Is this year different?

If you have ever spent time following Cincinnati sports you understand our annual routine.

Every fall we convince ourselves that this year is different, that this is finally the year of the Bengals! Deep down we know that we will ultimately be disappointed. However, the hope keeps us coming back.

Most seasons, parity in the NFL keeps the Bengals in contention until Christmas as they finish around 9-7 and possibly squeak into one of the last playoff spots. After losing in the first round, Cincinnati turns its attention to college basketball.

It’s much of the same with UC and Xavier. They help get us through the long, cold winter nights and provide excitement into March. Then Opening Day arrives and World Series chants echo through the Queen City.

As the dog days of summer come to an end and the Cardinals take the NL Central, we start over and the city begins to believe again that this is the year of the Bengals!

So as the first leaves begin to fall we must ask ourselves: “Is 2014 different?” “Could this be our year?”

Before we proclaim the Queen City the King of the NFL, let’s take a look at this year’s team.

The 2014 Bengals appear to be the top dog in the AFC North heading into the regular season. However, if the Bengals want to take the next step and earn their first playoff win since 1990 they will have to rely on the $100 million dollar arm of Andy Dalton. Andy is currently 0-3 in playoff appearances and his stats in those games are horrendous. Dalton has thrown only 1 touchdown and 6 interceptions in his short post season career.

For Dalton, consistency is the biggest issue. “Good Andy” puts up numbers comparable to some of the best QB’s in the league. When Dalton is on his game, the Bengals can beat any team in the NFL. Unfortunately for Bengals fans, they are just as familiar with “Bad Andy.” This is the Dalton that goes 23 for 42 with 0 TD’s and an interception in a loss to the Browns. This is the Andy that has historically shown up when the lights shine brightest. In order for the Bengals to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders in 2014, they will need to see far more “Good Andy”… especially in the post season.

Mike Brown and company have given Dalton so many weapons that it would be nearly impossible for Andy to not be successful in 2014. A.J Green is one of the league’s best receivers and Geovanni Bernard is knocking on the door to top back territory. Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert have many similarities to the Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez combo that lit up defenses in New England (well except for the off field issues). The Bengals present a matchup nightmare for opponents and could produce huge numbers with some consistency at the quarterback position.

The big offensive concern for Bengals fans is the center position. Rookie Russell Bodine will be filling big shoes after the retirement of Kyle Cook. Bodine was manhandled in the preseason by Arizona nose tackle Dan Williams which is not a good omen for the season. Given Dalton’s struggles vs. the pass rush, it will be important for Bodine to improve quickly.

Fortunately for Cincinnati fans, the Bengals defense alone is good enough to lead the Bengals into the playoffs. They have the best defense in the AFC North and maybe in the NFL. Last year, the defense was dominant despite missing Geno Atkins and Taylor Mays for a majority of the season. This year a healthy Cincinnati defense will cause many sleepless nights for opposing offensive coordinators.

So is this the year of the Bengals?

I wouldn’t be a true Cincinnatian if I didn’t take the bait. Let’s get excited Bengals nation. It is time to buy into the hype once again. The Bengals have put together one of the best teams in the NFL and I am going to enjoy the ride. This is our year!

I will probably have my heart broken once again in January.. But by then it is time for college basketball anyways..

WHO DEY!

This is the first ever publication of Nick Bachus, and a damn fine one at that. Nick is a true Cincinnatian and West Sider in every sense of the word. In fact, he is probably more West Side than attending a Friday night football game taking place in the Price Hill Chili parking lot. Look for more posts from Nick touching on the Bengals and many more topics on www.griftkrehnbrink.com.