Time To Run Roger Goodell Out Of Office
by Port Royal on Aug 18, 2011 11:57 AM EDT
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PrintIf allegations by Michael Vick are true that Goodell steered him away from signing with the Bills or Bengals, the commissioner's time is up.
First, take it with a grain of salt. Michael Vick, he of Ron Mexico fame, he of the Bad Newz Kennalz massacres, he of the marijuana gatorade bottle at the airport, he the convicted felon doesn't get the benefit of the doubt when he talks. He has displayed low-life criminal behavior since his introduction to the NFL and despite the league's mandated love-fest for his supposed reformation, convicts get scrutiny- that's just the way it is. But Roger Goodell, he of the no suspension for Belichick in the aftermath of Spygate, he of the helping hand when it comes to Rex Ryan disciplining Braylon Edwards, he of the arbitrary suspension system that seems to go after some players and leave others in the clear (Favre?), his already dubious record as an even-handed commissioner is at its tipping point. If Vick's words are true, he needs to be run out of this league faster than the Black Sox were barred from baseball (that took a whole season). Goodell is proving to be anything but even-handed and plays favorites with the owners he favors and the markets he deems most profitable. His job as commissioner is to treat all clubs equally, not to give advice to the Jets, play P.R. man for the Patriots when they get caught cheating, and not to steer Michael Vick towards markets he finds more appealing.
Let me be clear: I LOATHE Michael Vick. I wouldn't be following the Bills this season if he was Buffalo's QB. But Buffalo deserves the chance to woo any player they wish without the commissioner of the league being just another obstacle they have to deal with. If Vick is telling the truth (his history of lying clouds the issue), Goodell should be fired immediately. His job is to represent Buffalo and Cincinnati's interests equally compared to his favored markets in Philadelphia, Foxboro, and New Jersey. He has failed at his job and the league's integrity is at issue. It's time for this clown to go.
Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.
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Agreed
If he is influencing where free agents go and favoring certain markets, he is manipulating the NFL for HIS benefit. Now, your assertion that Mike Vick is about as credible as an Enron exec is valid so that definitely clouds the issue but I do think Vick is dumb enough to believe that he could come out with this info and it wouldn’t hurt anyone – which of course is extremely naive.
Goodell plays the part of “fan, turned commissioner” very well but no one should mistake at this guy is out to make money and possess power.
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
- Buddy Nix
"How can a guy with a name like Melo be such a pain in the ass?"
- George Lopez
Here is a question
If he is influencing where free agents go and favoring certain markets, he is manipulating the NFL for HIS benefit.
What does he gain from Vick going to the Eagles as opposed to the Bills or Bengals? Not saying what he did was right I am just uncertain of what his gain is.
No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.
Good question
Some investigation would be required into:
-Goodell’s relationship with Jeffrey Lurie
-Goodell’s possible collusion with large market teams
If Goodell maintains a relationship with Lurie, and/or he is looking out for the bottom line (good teams in large markets make more money for the league that good teams in small markets), then he should be fired.
But that will take significant will from the owners, of which, too many are from large markets, and benefit from his service… if this is at all true.
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
Jeff Lurie
What do you mean by maintains a relationship with? Lurie is one of his bosses so there has to be at least some relationship there which really just makes it part of your second point.
Potentially
Starting the official Buffalo "Draft a Quarterback in the First Round in 2012" campaign.
I think the answer is
for the Bills – avoiding the inevtiable photo of someone in a Michael Vick Bills jersey sitting next to someone in an O.J. Simpson Jersey. Bad P.R. there to bring that association about for the NFL. Had Vick gone to Buffalo and failed, it could well have put the future of the Bills in Buffalo in jeopardy due to driving fans away in disgust. A big market team could take the high risk of signing Vick to potentially reap the high reward. On the other hand, if Vick went to the Bills and worked, I think it would have actually been worth way more to the league. The Eagles were already a playoff level team – with one of hte most talented sets of receivers in the league.
For the Bengals, it is avoiding the risk that Michael Vick and Pacman Jones would start going to strip clubs together. Again, you have to consider that signing Vick was an extremely risky move by any team and allowing Vick back into the league was very risky. Putting Vick on a small market team could have bee a huge disaster.
The Bengals record of taking high risk players and having them get into more trouble must not have been appealing to the NFL.
What does he gain from Vick going to the Eagles as opposed to the Bills or Bengals?
I’ll answer your question with another question: Which team gives him the best shot at reforming his image, and thus the NFL image? That’s what Goodell would have to gain from Vick going to the Eagles. It’s all about the benjamins!
It comes down to favoring certain teams/markets over others.
Now this is just me talking but what if Goodell sees a specific team as a prime candidate for relocation. He knows that it is much easier to justify moving a team who is rarely competitive and not very interesting to people outside of it’s own market. What if he influences more than just Vick to stay away from a certain team because if said team was to succeed it would be much more difficult to move them to a city where they could make more money for the league (and himself).
Ok, I’m taking the tin foil hat off now, I swear.
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
- Buddy Nix
"How can a guy with a name like Melo be such a pain in the ass?"
- George Lopez
by dnvrBillsfan on Aug 18, 2011 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions
DISAGREE
Goodell was trying to end vicks career. In Buffalo or Cinci, he was a possible starter, in Philly he entered as a 3rd stringer, with mcnabb playing well and at the time a lock to be there a long time. I think roger just didn’t want vick around 4 legged creatures, he figured vick would just fly away. Goodell does need to go, mainly because of the spygate scandal though.
Who watches the watchers?
There’s no one with the guts to stand up and say this situation needs to be investigated. Is there? (Not counting those of us on a Sports Blog on the internet).
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Aug 18, 2011 12:42 PM EDT reply actions
No checks and balances...
Thats my biggest problem with this whole thing.
Now attending the Univ. of Hockey.
What are his duties exactly?
Does he a have duty of impartiality? Or is he entitled to do what’s best to grow the game?
Also, I’d be interested to see if any owners object to this besides Ralph Wilson or Mike Brown. Vick keeps the NFL in the national news, and Philly is a giant market. I don’t think there is any question that Goodell’s advice was the best for Vick AND the NFL. I’d be interested to know whether he has leeway with this type of advice/decision making from the owners.
Who watches the watchers? There’s no one with the guts to stand up and say this situation needs to be investigated. Is there?
by NordicBillsfan on Aug 18, 2011 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
No one ever expects
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
Too funny! Rec'd
Where did you dig that one out? Lol!
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Aug 18, 2011 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Rec'd. I agree with everything you said.
Unfortunately, because no one cares about the Bills or Bengals outside of their own small fanbases, this will probaly get swept under the rug and we’ll never really find out how true Vick’s comments are, (or aren’t).
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby. That’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to show you the baby, and the baby is winning." - Buddy Nix
I just feel that he advised him that Philadelphia had a more stable system in place. From the coaches to the GM. And that is what Vick needed at that time. No biggie in my book.
Goodell, through his actions, gave a particular team an economic and competitive advantage over that of two other teams. He made it league policy that it was good for the league for the Eagles to be successful and the Bills and Bengals to fail and took an active role to help bring that situation about. While that is perfectly acceptable behavior for an owner, GM or agent, it is criminally reprehensible in a league commissioner. He has opened up the league to a lawsuit by the Bengals and Bills. Bud Selig faced RICO Act charges when he gave preferential treatment (or in that specific case, antagonistic treatment) towards a specific team. Goodell should face the same.
"I could have conquered Europe, all of it, but I had women in my life." - King Henry II of England
While that is true
its not really the Commissioner’s job to tell a player which teams are run better.
Vick was a unique situation though – he was the most popular player in the league prior to dog fighting (and I was shocked at the number of Vick Eagles jersies which showed up immediately here in Virginia – maybe I shouldn’t have been since he’s from Virginia and starred for Virginia Tech, Vick is unbelievably popular even after the dogfighting)
We as fans
Should be outraged! And the lack of coverage on this issue that this site is giving is disgusting
Never confuse movement with action.
~Ernest Hemingway
Touche'
Never confuse movement with action.
~Ernest Hemingway
by NolaBillsFan on Aug 18, 2011 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he might be referring to the fact that BG decided this issue was irrelevant to the Bills. IMO, he has some reason to be miffed.
Give a monkey a typewriter and infinite time, and he’ll eventually release Maybin. -- stetzwebs
Unfortunatly, experience doesn't always lead to wisdom - Joe P.
by thefourwinds on Aug 18, 2011 9:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Ok
If you run a company and have a troubled employee that you just let back into the company don’t you think you have the right to give your opinion on where that employee should go to have the most success? A stable well-run winning organization or a organization that is in constant turmoil and change and is every year is at the bottom of the league. Goodell didn’t force Mike Vick to go anywhere. He just gave a suggestion based on where Mike Vick would have the most success. He had THE PLAYER’S best interest in mind
Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)
by Chris Kole on Aug 18, 2011 12:50 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Maybe
Still bears looking into. And that’s not going to happen.
by ChuckBuffInFlo on Aug 18, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Not his place
Never confuse movement with action.
~Ernest Hemingway
by NolaBillsFan on Aug 18, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
He can't do that
If a player/agent/coach/GM/owner asks him for advice he is supposed to say “sorry, you’re big boys, you’ll have to make up your mind on your own.” Neutrality, it’s not that difficult.
Punt?! In our moment of triumph?! I think you overestimate their chances!!
Chan Gailey to Brian Moorman
by TexasBillsFanatic on Aug 18, 2011 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I got accused of being Buddy Nix the other day, So I’m gonna’ accuse you of being Roger Goddell or an NFl higher up. No excuse for what Goddell did, this is not a normal company, this is not McDonalds or sears. He gave the eagles an advantage by saying, hey bro, maybe you should go to the eagles…the bills and bengals suck, we don’t like them and you shouldn’t want to go there.
by cencalclassics on Aug 18, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Goodell shouldn't be criticized
for having Michael Vick’s best interest in mind. He wasn’t thinking about what certain teams needed he was thinking about what the person Michael Vick needed as a trying to redeem himself. Sure he could of been neutral, but nothing says he absolute has to be 100% of the time. He can side with players, teams, fans etc. as long he’s not always favoring one side for the other it should be fine.
Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)
No, he can’t side with anything other than the best interest of the NFL, end of story. He should be instructing Vick to get therapy, not which NFL team to go to, as commisioner does he turn into every NFL players agent or life coach? Seems obvious that he thought it was best for the NFL for Vick to go to Philly. Is it his place to do that ?
by cencalclassics on Aug 18, 2011 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
So if he can't do
what’s in the best interest of NFL Players, Franchises, Fans, and can only do what’s in the best interest of the NFL, then why are you guys outraged. Michael Vick’s redemption was in the best interest of the NFL clearly. He is an NFL superstar now and he’s bigger than ever. So , even though he slightly hindered the Bills and Bengals chances to acquire Vick, Goodell still did what was best for the League and the Player, and isn’t that his job as commissioner to make the league look better.
“It is important that the NFL be represented consistently by outstanding people as well as great football players” – Roger Goodell
Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)
You have his responsibilities very wrong. He is responsible solely to the franchises. Also who is to say how else this would have changed things? What if him being in Cinci created a huge rabid fanbase that was previously nonexistent as opposed to just inflaming a current one? His job as commissioner is to run the league for the benefit of the ENTIRE 32 teams not just 3 or 4.
Looking at a risk benefit analysis
letting Vick back into the league was a high risk problem – with high potential rewards. Looking at the entire league’s interest, it might reasonable to believe that it was safer for the league to have Vick go to a big market team. Had Vick gone to Buffalo or Cincinatti and failed, the damage to the teams would have been huge.
Of course, its up to the teams to make that decision. If Ralph Wilson wanted to take the risk on signing Vick and making Vick the starting quarterback of the Bills immediately – that is his business as an NFL team owner. I kind of appreciate the idea of a collective good for Vick going to a large market team, but a sports league is not supposed to be making those decisions.
Did you know
That was going to happen when he signed with the Eagles?
Do you know that that story couldn’t have happened in Buffalo or Cincinnati?
Seriously Chris?
The NFL is supposed to be fair competition.
How is it fair competition (in games or to obtain talent) when the guy running the show is pushing players in specific directions? I dislike Vick and I’m stunned at how well he’s done… but the truth of the matter is, Goodell shouldn’t have been involved in where Vick landed.
What it does is calls into question the integrity of the game. Are certain teams always in the basement, always having trouble getting new talent due to their situation or due to the involvement of someone in the front office of the NFL?
Now, I don’t believe Goodell is steering free agents away from Buffalo, but the fact that I’m CAPABLE of asking the question with any level of credibility is a huge concern for the game of football. Especially when you take into account all the money people AND Vegas sinks into the sport… it opens all kinds of doors that could get ugly for football as a whole.
by aquias on Aug 18, 2011 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Rec'd. ^^This^^
"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby. That’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to show you the baby, and the baby is winning." - Buddy Nix
Its not his job to be making individual personnel decisions for teams
Everyone should acknowledge that Vick coming back to a league was extremely high risk and a team signing Vick was taking a high risk – especially a team like Buffalo where Vick would have likely immediately become the starter. However, that risk is up to the individual teams to decide.
If Ralph Wilson wanted to sign Vick and make him the starter of the Buffalo Bills, that is his decision/
And Goodell deserves the boot solely for the cover up of Spygate.
You're Correct
He shouldn’t be criticized for having Michael Vick’s best interests in mind. He should be fired and barred from football for intentionally harming two of his employers in this incident. You have to keep in mind that Mr. Goodell is in no way employed by the players. His responsibility is solely to the NFL and the 32 Owners and is obligated to treat them evenly. His leniency and help in previous incidents* were understandable but when shown against these actions take on a malicious light that demonstrates a willingness to promote certain organizations to the detriment of others.
*Spygate and Edwards. Spygate was a first offense and may have been relatively wide spread around the league. Edwards because he was trying to help one of his employers figure out how to deal with a complex situation that fell under his purview.
Hmm never thought of it that way
You know what your right. I’m not a stubborn person, my opinion is subject to change and you certainly do have a point, even though Goodell had the league as a wholes best interest in mind, he did indirectly hurt 2 franchises and aid 1 by giving his opinion. Although I still think he did the right thing by swaying Vick toward the Eagles where he would have the most success, it still put the Bills and Bengals to an unfair disadvantage when he is suppose to benefit all 32.
But I have to disagree with the Spygate thing. I do agree that Goodell didn’t handle it particularly well, but the punishment was enough. A 1st round pick, hundreds of thousands in fines to both the coach and the team.
Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)
IRT Spygate: Agreed, I had forgotten some of the details on that particular incident, probably because it was taken care of.
Also one caveat to my entire statement is the same as Port Royals: “IF there can be any substance shown to this.” I dislike Goodell’s handling of the players but until it’s obviously targeting teams and not just particular players it is a matter for the NFL and NFLPA to sort out.
If you run a company and have a troubled employee
Well that’s the thing, he doesn’t run the company (NFL), he commissions it. His role is that of an official, not an owner or employer when it comes to being NFL commissioner.
He had THE PLAYER’S best interest in mind
But he has a duty to each of the NFL teams to be impartial. He has no duty to the player to look out in his best interest when determining where he should sign. If that was the case then every free agent would be suggested to sign with the Patriots, Jets, Eagles, Giants, or Cowboys.
by Renegade23 on Aug 18, 2011 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Flawlessly stated sir!
Rec’d with a wish to rec again! I agree 100% I don’t want Mike Vick on the team but Goodell HAS to stay neutral in all things. No advice to teams, no recommendations to players, let them make their own decisions. This whole thing, if true (and I suspect it is) reeks of massive hubris on the part of Goodell.
Punt?! In our moment of triumph?! I think you overestimate their chances!!
Chan Gailey to Brian Moorman
by TexasBillsFanatic on Aug 18, 2011 1:03 PM EDT reply actions
Not surprising to me
Philly is a bigger market with a bigger brand. I don’t think there is any question that Philly was the best situation for Vick, and that Gooddell made the right advice.
My problem is that Gooddell is hurting one franchise (or two) for the growth of the entire league. Vick’s article said Nike continued to contact him in prison, just waiting to pounce when/if he became a star again. I’d assume the League had similar thoughts; if Vick becomes a phemon again, then it would be better to have him in a big market.
I know there was a lot of debate (among fans) about whether we should even take Vick. And it’s debateable that he would’ve become an MVP candidate here. But we’ll never know, and the fact that hte Commissioner was involved in advising against the Bills stinks to high heaven.
With revenue sharing and the TV deals
growth of the entire league in theory helps everyone.
On the other hand, if the NFL becomes like MLB where a few dominent teams control everything and sign all of the top free agents, it will hurt the league. It will be like in the 1980s where the Cowboys and 49ers signed all of the top free agents and spent the most money. Or like the New York Yankees in virtually any era.
I'm suprised
Brian hasn’t addressed this yet.
by As Smart as I Look on Aug 18, 2011 1:13 PM EDT reply actions
It’s also hard to say if all these players would’ve signed with philly this year if Vick wasn’t the QB, Who knows, maybe Kolb would’ve stunk it up. There are so many different ways this effects the landscape of the NFL it’s not even funny. If he goes to Cinci, maybe they get all those FAs, same for Buffalo. Maybe he wants the Bills and Bengals to be sold and Reloacated, idk, maybe it’s more of a possibility if the teams are loseing and worth less, it’s ridiculous. Goddell is a sorry POS and isn’t helping football as whole, the Eagles are not football, it isn’t his job to help them….I just don’t get this.
Well done, Port
nicely written.
Y'all- There's a "D" in rebuild, but no "O"- The gospel according to Buddy Nix 4:12
Agreed
Nice post Port!
Baby steps are for babies. Step it up buffalo!
by buffalobacker on Aug 18, 2011 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
rec'd
agree with all of this from top to bottom, but I have to ask: what would Vick gain from making up this rather convoluted and valueless lie?
Not shocking
Even if he did misspeak I’m certain someone from the NFL grabbed him to retract the sentiment.
I take the backpedal with a grain of salt
The article talked about his team of 7 (seven!!!) handlers all making sure he says the right things. Like when he spoke at the high school and asked ‘where the media at’ before answering a question about whether he felt he was mistreated, I think there is a disconnect between what he says (as advised by his PR team) and what he thinks.
I also think someone probably offered him more than 1 mil in the first year.
He simply “misremembered.”
:-)
Liar.
"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.
by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on Aug 18, 2011 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions
"Retraction"
I think this gives even more validity to his previous statement. It’s obvious with his 180 turn on this subject that he was “prompted” (AKA ordered) to change what he said. Maybe Goodell and the NFL saw the hand writing on the wall, and decided to do something before jobs were lost.
OR it could just be Vick starting a controversy because he’s an idiot. Take your pick.
But...
Unfortunately, we have 2 teams that are pissed, 1 who is happy, and 29 that don’t care. We also have a Commissioner that will sweep it under the rug and most major sports news sites are so biased towards anything NOT Buffalo (ESPN…) that they won’t report it. And even if they do report it, it won’t have any negative connotation towards Goodell, etc.
Let’s not lose sleep over it guys. What’s done is done.
How much do you think the other 29 teams will care if Philly wins the SB? Or more than one? Vick wouldn’t immediately make Cinci or Buffalo and SB but he sure looks like the final piece Philly needed in many ways.
This could be a nice big piece of controversy for any SB that Philly wins for the next few years especially since it has now become THE destination for free agents.
The problem is not whether or not he pushed Philidelphia or not
Its the simple fact that he clearly influenced the decision of a star-player, based on his own opinions and perspective. He has absolutely no place doing this. He is supposed to be a representative of the NFL as a whole, individual players’ situtations are not his problem. Vick was reinstated, Goodell should have butted-out as soon as that decision was made. It is not fair to the teams involved for the commisioner, whose decisions decide whether or not Vick can play and under what circumstances, make any comments whatsoever which could change his mind regarding his choice of a team.
Otherwise, he would always be able to claim it was a matter of player interest if he manipulated free agency. Thats unacceptable for a league commissioner.
"Is that you or the liquor talking Mr. Lahey?"
"...I AM the liquor, Randy"
This really hurts Buffalo in more ways than 1
Not only do we miss out on getting a potential franchise QB (not sure if Vick would have put up franchise QB type numbers here with us but it certainly could have happened), but it also hurts us luring any FA’s in the future. It just makes it that much harder for any FA’s to WANT to sign here or come here when nationally you hear that the Commish of the league is swaying a guy away from said team (the Bills) because they do not have a stable situation from top to bottom.
This is really sad and certainly should cost Goodell his job, because his decision to deter Mike Vick away from Buffalo and Cinci and prefer him to go to Philli DOES NOT have the league’s best interest in mind. BUFFALO AND CINCI ARE A PART OF THIS LEAGUE! You cannot just write them off or pretend they are not just as important than the larger market teams.
I also believe Vick’s statements are true because if you think about it he was a star, a playmaker, and had a chip on his shoulder coming out of jail. He wanted to show the world that he still had it and he knew he wouldn’t really have a chance to get playing time or show the world…being the 3rd string QB on the Eagles. As luck would have it he did get his chance, but he knew if he went to Cinci he would just be backing up a down and almost out Carson Palmer and in Buffalo (his most desired place to go) all he would have to do is beat out a couple of no namers named Edwards and Fitzpatrick. Turns out Fitz is alright, but I fully believe Vick wanted to be a Bill because it would have given him the best opportunity to start the earliest. Also what does Vick have to gain by making this up? Mr. Goodell shame on you and your fake I love the Bills attitude. You should be fired.
"I promise you, ... When I come back, I'm going to be like a mad dog in a meat house." -Takeo Spikes
The league is supposed to be impartial
And not favor any 1 team over any of the other 31.
Now the question we have to ask ourselves is this. Assuming Vick’s allegations are true, has the league steered other people,players, and coaches, to other situations?
Who knows, and it’s a question that disturbs me.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
This is much ado about nothing
First off, it’s been put out before that Ralph Wilson had no interest in signing Vick to play for the Bills, so Goodell could have told Vick that Buffalo was where he should be and it wouldn’t have meant squat.
Secondly, take Vick’s first statement and put it with the second, and the conversation probably went something along the lines of Vick saying, hey, these are my options and what I’m thinking, what do you think Roger? Roger then says you’d probably be better off with a more stable, well run franchise, which let’s be honest, is a much more apt description of the Iggles than either the Bills or Bengals at that point in time.
In short, put down the pitch forks, move along, nothing to see here.
We will not rest until we see these capitalist octopuses annihilated.
-Che Marrone
You missed the spot where goodell
Also steered Vick away from Cincinnati, which was Vicks alleged first choice, and another smaller market, non premiere team.
What your failing to grasp here is that this isn’t a BUFFALO matter, this is about the whole NFL, and whether or not there giving ALL teams a level playing field.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
by mob16151 on Aug 18, 2011 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
wait, why did Belichick deserved to be suspended?
They had a camera in the wrong spot. By feet. He was fined and a 1st round draft pick was taken away.
Overreaction.
To be fair I can see why everyone is upset. But this all seems to be blown waaaay out of proportion. Really, stop and think. Goodell has more to worry about than whether or not mike vick plays in a small market or a big market. The one thing he was trying to do was prevent this clown from screwing up again and again. You stick a guy like mike vick, who has had multiple run ins with the law, in a potentially starting role with pressure, positive fan support from those hopeful of riding him back to the playoffs, or a lack of fan support from those who didnt want him here and it is a recipe for total disaster. What Goodell likely did was say “Look. I know you want to start, but stop and think to yourself what is best for you and your future. You should make your decision based not just on football, but also your life outside of football. Go with the place you feel will let you succeed as a person.” AND BOOM. he goes to Philly. I don’t agree with Goodell every step of the way, but cut the guy some slack when a GOOF like vick says something in an interview.
Let me see if I understand your point correctly. The league wants to rehabilitate Michael Vick. They want to hide him in a city and a situation where he won’t be subject to excessive amounts of national media scrutiny while he concentrates on football. There are three teams who are interested in him. Two of those teams are poorly performing franchises in small media markets that the national sports media goes out of their way to ignore at every opportunity. The third is a competitive large market team with one of the most vociferous and aggressive local sports media machines in the nation. So, the place the league chooses to “hide” Michael Vick is in the city with the rabid attack dog media who will hound Vick at every single opportunity.
I’m sorry, does anybody really believe that Roger Goodell steered Vick to Philadelphia because he’d have a smaller media presence there than he would in Cincinnati or Buffalo? Really? Of all the apologetics that are being offered over the incident, this one is probably the most hysterically ludicrous.
"I could have conquered Europe, all of it, but I had women in my life." - King Henry II of England
So, the place the league chooses to "hide" Michael Vick is in the city with the rabid attack dog media who will hound Vick at every single opportunity.
Haha, I hope this was intentional.
"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.
I NEVER said the intent was to hide mike vick from the media. so pretty much every point you make after that is totally irrelevant. But i will respond anyway
I said it was done to just relieve some pressure on mike vick. entering as a third string QB on a team with a designated starter and 2nd stringer who they intend on developing into their starter (which they did in fact do, Kolb started day 1). No pressure there. Sure there is the media, but the media would have been anywhere. Instead he had time to GET HIS LIFE BACK IN LINE. That was my point. Goodell wanted him to make a LIFE decision not a FOOTBALL decision.
That is not Goodell’s place. Goodell is the commissioner of the league, not Vick’s agent. Goodell has to be impartial where all thirty-two teams of the league are concerned. He wasn’t. He abused the power of his office to give one franchise a competitive and economic advantage over others. That is criminal conduct for a commissioner.
If Goodell or any other NFL employee actively steered Vick towards the Eagles over that of any other franchise, that deserves jail time combined with a civil suit against the league by the Bengals and Bills.
"I could have conquered Europe, all of it, but I had women in my life." - King Henry II of England
Goodell IS responsible for the image of the league, therefore letting a convicted felon back on the field is his business. There is no indication that Goodell actively steered him toward philly.
As i said before, what Goodell likely (and i am just speculating as is everyone else that pretends to have any knowledge of this situation) said is that Vick needs to make his decision based not only on football, but on a good life decision as well.
Getting him back on the field is indeed his business. Actively guiding him to a specific team is not. When Goodell or Dungy or whoever in the league offices did that that is where their conduct changed from helping the image of the league to criminal misconduct and collusion.
"I could have conquered Europe, all of it, but I had women in my life." - King Henry II of England
Well everyone except Dungy.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
Rec'd
This stinks to high heaven.
"A deaf person can hear better than a ignorant person."- Unknown Comedian
Wow, some serious witch hunting going on here. Does anybody know what Goodell’s exact words to Vick were?
Kinda hard to crucify the guy when you don’t know what he really said, and the only person you have to go by is Mike Vick.
No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.
by sireric on Aug 19, 2011 12:42 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
While inappropriate, giving advice in a vacuum isn’t much of an issue to me. However, if there was any implication that reinstatement chances were affected by making Goodell happy with Vick’s choice of team, then that is about as big an offense as there could be. The fact that Vick could interpret Goodell’s advice as having such an implication makes it an issue regardless of any intended or inferred coercion — considering Goodell’s powerful position, any player could take any advice from Goodell as an implied order. The fact is, things worked out good in Philly and it frankly seemed like a wise choice at the time, but even if it were with the best intentions — assuming it’s even true — it is something Goodell should not be doing because of the potentiality for his advice unduly influencing a player, especially considering the full power Goodell had over Vick’s potential reinstatement. If he intended to coerce Vick, which I don’t believe, then he should certainly be fired and probably could face, at minimum, suit from all the other franchises.
I’m not a fan of Goodell’s policies in general. I’m rubbed the wrong way by the artificial standard he wants to hold players to in their personal lives and the No Fun League rules (e.g. celebrations); I’m extremely dismayed with his decision regarding Pryor. However, if he merely intended to give advice, he should recognize the danger inherent in doing that, apologize, and never do it again. That would be the end of it for me.
No
Meant Goodell being let go is like expecting Ralph to actually field a winner sometime in my lifetime(I’m 50) let alone his lifetime, not looking good. Gotta love the Bill’s!
Baby steps are for babies. Step it up buffalo!
by buffalobacker on Aug 21, 2011 4:04 AM EDT up reply actions
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