by: CJ Clayborne
Roger Goodell has never been a personal favorite of mine, but one must wholeheartedly respect his task in policing the NFL. Goodell treats “supposedly” guilty NFL players like Texas treats guilty prisoners: OFF WITH HIS HEAD 110% of the time.
Granted, I understand that there have been numerous instances in the Goodell era that have called for setting a precedent with harsh punishment. Just ask James Harrison if Goodell is somebody you wanna meet up with in a dark alley with a sack full of money. For their involvement in the Saints “Bounty Program”, defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove, now with the Green Bay Packers, was suspended 8 games in 2012; Saints defensive end Will Smith was barred for the opening four games; and linebacker Scott Fujita, now with the Cleveland Browns, will miss the first three games. The heavy hitter was Goddell suspending starting Saints linebacker, Jonathan Vilma, for the entire 2012 season.
It’s imperative to say that in this specific instance Goodell is 100% right in his ruling. However, it would be a fair assessment to say the punishment is far beyond what is necessary for the situation. It honestly reminds me of Crack vs Cocaine sentences for possession of controlled substances. The head honcho drug kingpin, Sean Payton, got caught with cocaine. Johnathan Vilma got caught with crack. it makes no sense why an “underling” would receive the same punishment as the guy that was overseeing the whole operation. Goodell wanted to send a message to the rest of the NFL. The message was received loud and clear. Goodell clearly believes the punishment should oughtweigh the crime in doling out suspensions and fines.
I don’t feel sorry for Vilma. When you look at the average career of an NFL player which is three and a half years and to lose a whole year in a short yet high paying occupation really puts it into perspective how hard Goodell laid the Hammer. Could you imagine if tomorrow you got the message you could not work in your home country in your exact profession because of circumstantial evidence that is based primarilary on a scheme your boss orchestrated. You also cannot see the evidence that is being used against you. The Saints are guilty as sin but the severity of these punishments clearly lends itself to the belief that this is more about sending a message than the actual crime comitted. Vilma and company are essentially scapegoats in the greater agenda that Roger Goodell has for the National Football League. If you don’t think this is true then why aren’t 20 or so players associated in the scandall getting punished? Goodell doesn’t play with these punishments….but he also doesn’t make very much sense with them either.