04/18/24
April 04, 2007
Hidden: Goodell wants the NFL Banhammer: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's new player conduct policy could give him the power to issue lifetime bans for players involved in serious criminal activity. Good thing or bad thing? Also, Tennessee's Adam "Pacman" Jones was unavailable for comment.
It has to be done. The NFL is going to get a bad reputation if they have player after player arrested. This season was just constant. There were CBA limits on teams instituting their own punishment, so I think this is a great idea. And, the NFL should make their punishment without waiting for criminal investigation to be completed and need not wait for the players to plead guilty to a lesser charge. I'd like them to have some penalties for domestic abusers as well.
posted by bperk at 02:24 PM on April 04, 2007
No football for you! One year! Ok, seriously folks, good on the commisioner. I have no problem with suspensions or banishment for off field indiscretions. There are lots of jobs in America, and Canada where if you have a criminal record, you're no longer eligible to hold those positions. If you want to hold a position in the N.F.L., be aware that any criminal conviction will result in punishment, and gather enough convictions, you no longer will have that privilege. This should be part of a standard players contract.
posted by tommybiden at 02:26 PM on April 04, 2007
I agree, give the new commish some teeth and lets see who really is running the asylum
posted by chmurray at 02:57 PM on April 04, 2007
Bah. This is what happens when you openly encourage and reward anti-social behaviour for numerous years: A heavy-handed response that will be used with extreme prejudice... provided the player isn't a star. Those guys just get stern talking-tos. The NFL is infinitely more fun when you can't celebrate a touchdown, but can punch a cop without too much recourse.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:04 PM on April 04, 2007
Pacman Jones should not be able to play for the whole season and not get paid either. As for Chris Henry, he should have to sit out at lease 6-8 games. and hopefully the commisioner will stick to his guns and hand out harsher fines and more game suspension's then just slapping them on the hands and saying " Bad boy, don't do it again"
posted by steelers101 at 03:14 PM on April 04, 2007
Bad idea. What happens if he gets arrested himself? Will he just quit? the NFL should make their punishment without waiting for criminal investigation to be completed You can't be serious. Do you have any idea how many innocent people are in jail? Do you have any idea how many are killed by police because the police "thought" they were "about to" commit a crime. Fuck that slave master mentality bullshit. This kind of thing needs to be kept as fair as possible. We must remember we are discussing a mans right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness of which no man shall be denied without due process. I think this commissioner crap is getting old. It's time for governing bodies to oversee all of the big sports. I personally think the players should have a say of who governs them. I don't care what kind of "committee" is formed on their behalf, these sports are becoming dictatorships. 1 dictator (or his buddies) handing over power to the next. Stern has to go, Goodell has to go, Selig has to go, and Bettman has to go. The owners electing (appointing) the commissioners has to go. No 1 is paying all this money to come see an owner or a commissioner. I think the owners and commissioners criminal records should be disclosed to the public. These people are not God and have nothing in common with their employees at all. I think their salaries should be capped. These clowns could be getting drunk every night, picking up prostitutes and doing cocaine and fans wouldn't know anything about it. They are all detached from their sports and their players. Who the hell died and made these people the all mighty of their sport? Oh yea, the previous all mighty died, then his best friends elected them. All commissioners must go and be replaced with a governing body, panel, board, etc. This 1 person over seeing hundreds with which he has nothing in common doesn't accomplish anything.
posted by Bishop at 04:00 PM on April 04, 2007
This 1 person over seeing hundreds with which he has nothing in common doesn't accomplish anything. posted by Bishop at 4:00 PM CDT on April 4 Is that the NFL or the United States? The league should be run by the players union? I don't have a problem with it, but I know 32 billionare individuals and or corporations who would. Why do I have any empathy for the tribulations of multi-million dollar athletes who repeatedly find themselves convicted of crimes in a court of law? "Recidivsm. repeat offender" "Come and see the violence inherent in the system." "Help, help, I'm being repressed."
posted by sumokenobi at 04:34 PM on April 04, 2007
And, the NFL should make their punishment without waiting for criminal investigation to be completed and need not wait for the players to plead guilty to a lesser charge. So, what happens when you kick a guy out of the league for an indeterminate amount of time (endangering, as Bishop put it, his "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness"), and it turns out he didn't do it after all? You get the holy livin' shit sued out of you, and you likely lose, that's what. Besides, the player's union will challenge this in every court they can get inside of. It'll never fly, and if it gets pushed, could easily lead to serious trouble. The players and owners of all the four major North American sports have struck and locked out over lesser stumbling blocks.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 04:48 PM on April 04, 2007
Bishop, I'm with you on withholding punishment until a trial and all that. But will you give me that the NFL is also driven heavily by fan support and publicity, and that an employer certainly also has the right to say to an employee? At some point, the Tennessee Titans have to step in and say, "Look, dumbshit. You're a great athlete and all, but if you can't keep yourself out of clubs where you're prone to be shot and stop spitting at women, you'll be out of a job here. Understood?" Who the hell died and made these people the all mighty of their sport? The fact they pay the bills did. And the players do have a say in how things go. Or at least they would if they actually stand together as a union and force the owners to sign better deals. Until then, they'll get the shaft.
posted by wfrazerjr at 05:31 PM on April 04, 2007
I agree partially with Bishop; the one to rule over all concept is not going to get the job done. (WHO'S WATCHING THE SHEPERD?). Yes, we pay big money to see Pacmans,Henrys,Carruths etc.....do what they do best; but it is time for a very hard chin check. These players need be reminded that with great big pay checks comes even bigger responsibility. If you wanna run with the big doggs and pee on the big trees; understand there will be greater consequences when the fun stops, the weed smoke clears, the prostitutes go home, the breathelizer reads twice the legal limit, and that illegal hand under the seat in your car that is not yours (of course); accidently goes of and kills an innocent driver. When these athelets signed contracts they chose a life of being under the microscope . It is no different then when someone joins the military; you sign to do a service and are expected to uphold an code of ethics and moral fortitude. (the pay checks are just bigger) So, I'm all for heavy fines, bans, suspension, what ever it takes to drive the point home; but the responsiblity of handing them out is far to great for one man to over see. I close with,"All men are innocent until proven guilty." Let's not condemn until we know all the facts people.
posted by fourthreeforty at 05:51 PM on April 04, 2007
Ummmm, No one has the "right" to play in the NFL. The NFL is a corperation and the CEO just decided the party is over for the criminals. Just because you are talented does not and should not mean you are entitled to play. There are few employers out there that would keep a person on, in a high paying job that commits violent offenses. Boo hoo for the "poor" professional athletes that have EVERY opportunity thrown at them and still choose the "thug" lifestyle. Having said that I do agree they should get due process before the league should act. Go Commish!!! Hey Weedy, you punch a cop and I guarantee there is recourse... :)
posted by firecop at 07:52 PM on April 04, 2007
There are few employers out there that would keep a person on, in a high paying job that commits violent offenses Are you aware that pacman Jones hasn't been convicted of anything? Ummmm, No one has the "right" to play in the NFL. If they do "play" in the NFL then that is their job, their career, and that they DO have a right to. you punch a cop and I guarantee there is recourse... :) Hey FireCOP, if you shoot an unarmed man just because you "think" he is about to commit a crime, I fucking guarantee there is recourse. Cops are NOT the judge and jury and this isn't the old west. Cops that do that shit are the real "thugs". Hint: if you get shot at a night club you are a fucking victim of crime, not a criminal. The criminal is the fucking dirty, wanna be hard ass behind a badge Cop that fired 31 fucking bullets at you because he thinks you might be going to commit a crime. He can take your life and just make up some shit about you, and you're helpless to defend yourself because you "look like" a "thug" and your side of the story doesn't mean shit.
posted by Bishop at 12:51 AM on April 05, 2007
Uh oh...
posted by wingnut4life at 04:38 AM on April 05, 2007
The new, turbo-charged Bishop...goes zero to sixty in one post!
posted by The_Black_Hand at 04:49 AM on April 05, 2007
Hey Weedy, you punch a cop and I guarantee there is recourse... :) Touche. Actually, I do have two high school friends that became cops. One is an outstanding dude, the other one was a semi-stupid troublemaker who thought it was a good gig. Both of them seemed to have turned out all right (though, for Bishop's sake, the second one is pretty much a racist). However, my real point is that every time I see them, I can't shake the urge to tackle them and fight. So I do. Now, I'm not a huge guy by any means (6'3", 235; ran the 40 in 4.4*) And damn if all that training they get isn't effective. But they are fun to wrestle. I think the larger issue here is how can we bemoan the violent anti-social tendencies that happen off-field when we scream for more on-field? You get a bunch of 'roided up barely-contained warriors and expect them to flip a switch? I'm not so sure this (Banhammer) solves anything. *Total lies.... I ran it in 4.8
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 08:19 AM on April 05, 2007
These players need be reminded that with great big pay checks comes even bigger responsibility This ain't Spider-Man, uncle Ben. The new, turbo-charged Bishop...goes zero to sixty in one post! Do you have one in Jay-Z blue? I understand that the Commissioner feels the need to step in and nip this in the bud but at the same time, this is after the fact. He should implement something to the effect that there will be fines and/or suspensions for criminal behavior but not just because someone got arrested. The NFL needs to wait until the court of justice hands down a verdict on the situation and if it's for something completely out-of-character (i.e. DUI, drug charge, concealed weapon charge, ect...) then they should deal with it. Not every situation is the same and not every individual is the same but they should be dealt with accordingly and on a case-by-case manner. People make mistakes (Adam "Pac-Man" Jones seems to keep making the same ones though...) so maybe the Commish should keep that in mind.
posted by BornIcon at 08:44 AM on April 05, 2007
So, what happens when you kick a guy out of the league for an indeterminate amount of time (endangering, as Bishop put it, his "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness"), and it turns out he didn't do it after all? The NFL has to do their own investigation, but they don't need to use the standard that the law requires for convictions. The justice system isn't very good at doing what it is supposed to do, so why would it be effective at weeding out problem players from the NFL? It definitely isn't working for Pacman Jones. The NFL has to do something about guys who continue to bring bad publicity to the league. The player can sue if he wants, but he is unlikely to win and the Player's Union is very much behind sterner penalties because bad publicity is bad for profits. The standard should be whether or not a player's conduct is detrimental to the league.
posted by bperk at 08:53 AM on April 05, 2007
While I agree that the League is not some high and mighty omnipitant power something must be done. The law does not punish pro athletes because they are pro athletes. People want to say why are we doing this to these poor athletes. Why should we always put them in the spotlight. Becasue thats where they want to be and that is part of what comes with the millions. I ask you this: If anyone on this page was stopped by the police and they found pot in your car would you be let go. How about if it happened three times. I could run down countless offenses that players have committed that would land any of us in jail for a long time but time and time again players are slapped on the wrist and let go. They begin to believe they are above the law. They push more and more to see how far they can go. If the real police won't step in someone must or kids will be trading wanted posters instead of cards
posted by Debo270 at 09:08 AM on April 05, 2007
Bishop you sadden me. Apparently the NFL comissioner should not be allowed to issue lifetime bans because cops are dirty pigs and the comissioner is probably getting high with prostitutes as we speak. The only problem is, the NFLPA agrees with the Comissioner. Criminals aren't welcome in the NFL. Oh yeah, coincidentally owners don't have a say in the matter. I really don't understand what position you're arguing for. The Comissioner doesn't want criminals in the NFL. The players don't want criminals in the NFL. The Owner's obviously don't give a shit either way as long as they make their money. If anything, you're allying yourself with the (rich, white, old) owners. You seem to want to preserve the status quo because you're apparently unwilling to admit that there are criminals playing in the NFL. Or are you unaware that the NFLPA supports the comissioner on this issue? What do you think is going to happen under this new policy?
posted by chmurray at 09:23 AM on April 05, 2007
I ask you this: If anyone on this page was stopped by the police and they found pot in your car would you be let go? Actually, not to put my business out there but yeah, it has happened. You asked a question and honestly, the cop just laughed and told me to have a nice day. Maybe I should mention that my cousin was the cop.
posted by BornIcon at 09:26 AM on April 05, 2007
Born Icon, Got anything good??? Pacman must have lots of cousins. Part of the new policy:: Three strikes and you are a Bengal
posted by Debo270 at 09:40 AM on April 05, 2007
Hey Debo270, meet me out back and I'll hook you up, I got you~ Three strikes and you are a Bengal That's a good one. How about: Welcome to Cincinnati, now put your hands behind your back.
posted by BornIcon at 09:52 AM on April 05, 2007
cincinnati's record last year 9-8-1 9 arrests 8 dismissals 1 conviction
posted by Debo270 at 09:59 AM on April 05, 2007
It's good to know some people keep up with box office hits (bornIcon). Let me throw some scenarios out: 1. Peyton Manning with Pacman's case load;lets throw in a prostitue and some drugs. What would you do? How would you feel ? How should it be handled? (rememeber its case by case; and this is the Super Bowl M.V.P, Mr. Karismatic, America's Quarterback). 2. Houston Texans back up center " Whatas Name " same case load. Gentlemen, wrong is wrong no matter who you are. With that said, do we think case by case is really going to work. I'm not saying ruin a guys life(even if he helps), but stern and strict penalties would definitly open eyes. A dis-honorable discharge doesn't mean you can't work again; just not where you would like. Move on with life. Or, How about a gag order on the media until all the facts are heard and the case is closed ? That way guys like us can address more important topics like Budweiser Girls, or the L.A. Laker Girls etc............and SPORTS.
posted by fourthreeforty at 10:10 AM on April 05, 2007
It's good to know some people keep up with box office hits (bornIcon). Houston Texans back up center " Whatas Name " same case load It's good to see you using your spell check as well. Let me throw some scenarios out: Peyton Manning with Pacman's case load I understand that you're doing a 'What if' scenerio but be realistic, Peyton keeps his hoes in check. So no drama there, his pimp hand in strong~
posted by BornIcon at 10:20 AM on April 05, 2007
I can just picture peyton with that accent "listen bitch you say something to the media about this i'll smack you up"
posted by Debo270 at 10:33 AM on April 05, 2007
That's why his pimp hand is strong, he doesn't have to say a word. "listen bitch you say something to the media about this i'll smack you up" I picture him saying that using Snoop's voice? That would be CLASSIC!!
posted by BornIcon at 10:36 AM on April 05, 2007
Please stop. This entire hoes thread derail is inappropriate and not the least bit funny.
posted by bperk at 10:37 AM on April 05, 2007
Come on BornIcon, work with me (any given Sunday, your pimp hand can go limp) (except for mine). No one thought O.J. was guilty ( hmmm?) I'm sure no one thought that Sanjay would go this deep on American Idol. (Anything is possible).
posted by fourthreeforty at 10:38 AM on April 05, 2007
inappropriate but funny.
posted by Debo270 at 10:42 AM on April 05, 2007
Come on folks, The day i can't make a good Peyton Manning pimps and hoes comment... THE TERRORISTS HAVE ALREADY WON
posted by Debo270 at 10:45 AM on April 05, 2007
Come on BornIcon, work with me (any given Sunday, your pimp hand can go limp) (except for mine). No one thought O.J. was guilty ( hmmm?) I'm sure no one thought that Sanjay would go this deep on American Idol. (Anything is possible). My pimp hand is always strong, fourthreeforty, it's never questioned. How can I work with you when you already have it in mind that every athlete arrested is guilty? It's not always what it seems. As far as O.J. is concerned, he may have been found not guilty in the eyes of the court of law but his actions speaks differently. BTW, who the hell is Sanjay? Stop watching that weak-ass show when baseball season has already started, then I'll take you seriously. Please stop. This entire hoes thread derail is inappropriate and not the least bit funny Says you but I find it very humorous.
posted by BornIcon at 10:46 AM on April 05, 2007
Oh Helll nooooo.... Are you aware that pacman Jones hasn't been convicted of anything? Yes, because I didnt mention him, AND I said "They should be given due process first".. BTW that means I agree with you. If they do "play" in the NFL then that is their job, their career, and that they DO have a right to. No No No... They do NOT HAVE A "RIGHT"... They have an opportunity... You can get a job and be fired for doing something illegal "off duty". The ONLY "RIGHTS" you have are those given you by the constitution... None of which say you have a "RIGHT" to play in the NFL... Read it... Hey FireCOP, if you shoot an unarmed man just because you "think" he is about to commit a crime, I fucking guarantee there is recourse. Cops are NOT the judge and jury and this isn't the old west. Cops that do that shit are the real "thugs". You dont want people judged but you would judge EVERY cop on this stupid stereo type? Dude, Total the number of cops, then subtract the number that actually shoot people because they "think" he is going to commit a crime what you will have is 99% of cops left. You got assholes at your job? Well we got em too bro... Fact of life... Sorry... But the number of good ones far outweigh the assclowns. Most of us just want to do the job and go home to our families.. I dont have time to "conspire against you bishop" sorry bout that, but mostly we just try help people...
posted by firecop at 10:55 AM on April 05, 2007
But the number of good ones far outweigh the assclowns He said 'assclown'
posted by BornIcon at 11:04 AM on April 05, 2007
BornIcon, when you were six,seven years old playing playground sports; Did you dream of that fat contract, or just making it to the pros? It pisses me off that these athletes are livin childhood dreams and fu..... it up. It's no ones "right" to play pro sports, but should you choose that path, I feel you have the responsibility of maintaining the integrity of that childhood dream and carrying yourself like you have some fu.... sense. These athletes should do this for themselves and for all the fans (all the kids) that wear their number and cheer them on. (sniff, sniff). But you know, my grandfather always said " common sense ain't all that common".
posted by fourthreeforty at 11:17 AM on April 05, 2007
The line between guilty and not guilty seems to fade when an athlete is involved. 4.3 40, I am sorry for picking on you. It is wrong to pick on cleveland fans because they are in enough pain already
posted by Debo270 at 11:32 AM on April 05, 2007
ahahahahahahaahahah. lol Let's talk after the NBA finals.
posted by fourthreeforty at 11:36 AM on April 05, 2007
why who do you have, the mavs or the suns?
posted by Debo270 at 11:39 AM on April 05, 2007
To answer your question fourthreeforty, when I was a kid playing sports, I neither cares about a "fat contract" or "making it to the pros", I only wanted to play. Whether it was baseball (my favorite since that's where I excelled at), basketball, football, golf, wrestling, track & field and even tennis, I just wanted to play and win. I played a little minor league baseball here in New Jersey and the only thing that mattered to me was going out on the field and playing with my teammates. I still wanted to win but it was just about having fun. We'll talk baseball next month Since my Mets are now 3-0 and just swept the reigning champion, St. Louis Cardinals, I want to talk baseball now, dammit!! It is wrong to pick on cleveland fans because they are in enough pain already Funny....but very true. OUCH!
posted by BornIcon at 11:41 AM on April 05, 2007
All that is wrong with sportsfilter in one convenient location.
posted by SummersEve at 11:56 AM on April 05, 2007
Goodell is not the only one wanting a banhammer.
posted by MrFrisby at 12:10 PM on April 05, 2007
Now where did justgary file those guidelines? Oh, here they are.
posted by MrFrisby at 12:19 PM on April 05, 2007
Com'on now, why can't there be a tad bit of humor while discussing sports? Stop being a stick in the mud and taking yourself way too seriously when people are just having a little fun. No harm, no foul. Live, love & laugh~
posted by BornIcon at 12:32 PM on April 05, 2007
All that is wrong with sportsfilter in one convenient location. great summersation Eve... No convictions? July 13, 2005- Arrested and charged with assault and felony vandalism after a nightclub altercation. Plea deal got him probation. October 2005- State of West Virginia filed a petition stating that Jones had not been contacting his probation officer and that he had not reported his July 2005 arrest. The judge extended the probation for just 90 days. March 23, 2006- Charged with marijuana possession in Fayetteville, Georgia. Also a plea deal, probation granted but based on behavior during that period the probation could be revoked and Pacman sent to jail. This court is now pending a hearing based on results from the Vegas case. August 25, 2006- Arrested for disorderly conduct and public intoxication after being ordered by the cops to leave a Murfreesboro night club several times. A plea deal got him 6 months probation which could also be revoked pending outcome of Vegas. The above time line doesn’t include his sentence of one year in prison for a bar fight in Morgantown, West Virginia while in college. The sentence was later suspended in exchange for two years of probation. All of the plea deal probation sentences are contingent on his good behavior during the probation period. Being arrested for yet another club fight definitely qualifies as violating his probation. The courts in West Virgina, Fayetteville, and Murfreesboro will hold hearings to determine if probation has been violated. Pacman could be facing definite jail time in all of those locations.
posted by irunfromclones at 12:33 PM on April 05, 2007
I understand that Tennessee and Cincinatti, among others, have petitioned the league to allow their players to wear numbers that match those on their mug shots.
posted by Howard_T at 01:16 PM on April 05, 2007
"Hey, I thought this was America...."