Goodell's Situation

[davos]

Basically, it is being discussed that many teams and even GMs have known certain programs to be in place. Not specifically Saint style "bounty" programs, but in the dark incentives for on the field displays and actions. Now if it comes out that multiple teams had known about such programs, that type of issue should go directly to the top of the league. The guy who claims player safety is of up most importance. I just for some reason am smelling this to be a major problem high up in the NFL. Its could be very ironic because it would not be the stupid rule changes or anything but the non-action that Goodell has taken that could result in his removal.

So, could the Saints fiasco be the beginning of Roger's downfall? Anyone feel where I'm going?

How far could this go hierarchy wise?

[Udogg]

Nope. Roger is gonna break out the hammer on the Saints to save face. It's gonna be something so epic that basically everyone is going to scrap their own "bounties". Or at least not put it in writing.

[Peppers90 NC]

Nope. Roger is gonna break out the hammer on the Saints to save face. It's gonna be something so epic that basically everyone is going to scrap their own "bounties". Or at least not put it in writing.

Wouldn't he have to? With the league going so much for player safety and the Stains are basically making a mockery of him.

[Ruff]

Goodell hopes to make an example of the Saints, I'm sure. That way, he doesn't allow his platform of safety be undermined.

[Panthro]

My friend and I were discussing this when he mentioned the hypocrisy of Goodell championing player safety and then also promoting an 18 game schedule.

It made me at least think about it before I told him he was wrong in my usual fashion

[Darth Biscuit]

From Peter King's article on SI's Facebook page...

The discipline handed down to Williams, Payton, Loomis and several players will likely dwarf the Patriots' punishment in the infamous Spygate scandal in 2007. In that case the league fined the Patriots and coach Bill Belichick $750,000 and docked New England a first-round pick for illegally videotaping opposing sidelines. Judging by the outrage emanating from the NFL's New York City offices over the weekend, the Saints' sanctions could be closer to the yearlong suspensions given to stars Alex Karras and Paul Hornung in 1963 for gambling. Discipline is expected to be announced within the month.

For commissioner Roger Goodell, player safety has become a top priority, and nothing could undermine that more than cash incentives for players to injure their opponents. One source close to Goodell said the commissioner's reaction to the initial reports of the bounties in the 2009 playoffs was, "God forbid this is true. This will be earth-shattering."

Yes, Goodell is going to come down really hard on this.

[Ruff]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/06/goodell-sees-bounty-case-as-a-turning-point-in-the-nfls-culture-change/

An interesting quote from that article:

“This is a seminal moment in the culture change we have to make,” a source close to Goodell said. “This has to stop now. Every team needs to hear the message that we’re in a different era now, where this appalling behavior is going to end.”

[Panther'sBigD]

From KSK's weekly complete teardown of Peter King's MMQB:

http://kissingsuzykolber.uproxx.com/2012/03/peter-king-makes-a-call-to-the-soy-baron.html#more-44903

"And here PK inadvertently stumbles onto the real reason why the NFL manufactured this freakout. Former players are filing lawsuits against the league. The Rog is still dead set on achieving his plan for an 18-game season. The easiest way to realize this and to avoid litigation is to show that the NFL is, and has always been, a force for safety. After all, hey, Goodell’s tried his level best to make the game safe, but these damn mindless players and their malicious coaches are too busy trying to kill one another with their bounties. “We had no idea!"

[bleys]

I hate to think how bad the game will be with 18 games + playoffs...

[Ruff]

I think the game would be excellent with 17 games/3 preseason games. The fourth preseason game is horrible anyways, and the starters only play a series. It's the third preseaon game that really matters.

[bleys]

I think the game would be excellent with 17 games/3 preseason games. The fourth preseason game is horrible anyways, and the starters only play a series. It's the third preseaon game that really matters.

preseason games aren't about fan experience, which is why Goodell is trying to push for more regular season games.. preseason games are needed for the teams, namely coaches making tough decisions and players trying to prove themselves..

cutting 1 or 2 preseason games out to add more strain to bodies doesn't help the game. it hurts it. but hey, it's all about mo money!

[Keep Pounding]

To be honest i wouldn't mind a 18 game reg season, but i still think that there should be 4 game preseason,

2 preseason games should consist of practice squad guys, UDRFA, drafted rookies and only they are allowed to play only.

Then the other 2 preseason games could include vets, and guys that make the roster cut before the finally roster cut.

Reg season 2 bye weeks and still keep the same format as the 1 and 2 seeds get a bye during the playoffs.

[Fiz]

Goodell will stay in place because he has the support of a strong bloc of NFL owners.

[iamcline]

Goodell will stay in place because he has the support of a strong bloc of NFL owners.

This. Especially considering he just signed an extension near the end of January that takes him through March of 2019.