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.