Harrison Apologizes To Goodell

"The interview that I did and the comments that I made about Roger Goodell were inappropriate, at the least," Harrison said. "They were way out of line, and I was speaking out of anger and frustration at the time. Any comments that I made that offended anyone, I apologize."

Harrison had every right to be upset with Goodell, and for the most part I don't actually mind most of what he says. I thought it was wrong he ripped his teammates, but with the stuff about Goodell I didn't really care. Still, this is smart, there is no reason to have your boss any more pissed at you then he already is. Plus, his comments were pretty over the top.

Crazy James Harrison, Being Crazy Again

This is what James Harrison said of BMack, I mean Roger Goodell yesterday:
"If that man was on fire and I had to piss to put him out, I wouldn't do it," Harrison told the magazine. "I hate him and will never respect him."

His other descriptions of the commissioner include an anti-gay slur, "stupid," "puppet" and "dictator."

Well if I called my boss a fag, stupid, a puppet, dictator and that I flat out hate him, it probably wouldn't go well. And even though there is a strike going on right now, its eventually going to end, and your eventually going to helmet to helmet someone James and then Roger Goodell is going to go all Monty Burns on you and make your life miserable.

I'm torn on Goodell though, sometimes I think he takes small things too seriously and is very hypocritical when it comes to "player safety", but I also think he has done a good job of cleaning up the NFL's image.

But regardless, I'm going to agree with James Harrison because he has black and yellow on.

NFL Slaps Favre on Wrist

The NFL fined Brett Favre $50,000 for not cooperating with their investigation into accusations over misconduct and sexual harassment. Wait a minute. Since when is Roger Goodell a supporter of due process? Since when does he need proof in order to punish?

Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for being accused of rape. Even the most ardent Big Ben fans admitted that the Steelers' QB had been acting dumb, and putting himself into troublesome situations. But there's no rule against going to bars and hitting on girls. If there were, most of the NFL would be suspended.

I'm not defending Roethlisberger, but he was given a very stiff punishment even though he was never convicted of a crime, nor was he even officially indicted.

Yet Brett Favre decides not to cooperate (even though it's blatantly obvious that he's guilty), and he gets a $50,000 fine. He'll make $16 million in salary this year, so this fine is 0.3% of his income. If a normal working person making $50k a year were fined at this rate, it'd be $156.25, or the same penalty as a small speeding ticket. What would happen to any of us if we didn't cooperate with our employer's investigations into sexual misconduct? Would we get 0.3% of our salary docked?

If I'm James Harrison, or any other player fined for illegal hits this season, I'm going to find some young interns, buy a cell phone with a 10 megapixel camera, and go to town.

My favorite part of all this is Goodell publicizing the fact that he told Favre the punishment would be worse if they found he'd acted up. That's like a State Trooper telling a suspected drunk driver "Are you drunk? If you say yes, you'll be in lots of trouble."

Thankfully, in the public's eye at least, Favre's guilty. Innocent people don't cover their asses like this. Favre has been exposed (in more ways than one) as a dirty old man, as a spoiled baby, and on the field this season he's padded both of his turnover records.

One day, Favre will be enshrined in Canton, and that's sad. He's just an awful person, and the only thing I hate more than him are those few but loud Brett Favre supporters that still pester us with their inane love for this overrated player and utter manwhore.

-The Commodore

New Conspiracy Theory On Favre

So there is a new conspiracy theory going around about Brett Favre. Goodell was in attendance at last night's Vikings/Bears game, and word is that he had a short meeting with Favre before the game started. This is interesting because Favre was upgraded on the injury report the day of the game, and ended up playing. Could this be because Favre is about to be suspended? We they giving him one last ride on the field?

I have no idea, but if that's true it is hilarious, because his finally goodbye is him getting knocked out, which I guess that's fitting. Actually I take that back, if he got knocked out while throwing a pick that would be been way more fitting.

Anyways, fuck Favre.

NFL Not Expanding New OT Rule To Regular Season

Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday the issue was tabled during owner meetings in the Dallas area two months after owners voted to remove part of the sudden-death component from overtime in the playoffs. Under the new system, a team that loses the coin flip and immediately gives up a field goal will have a chance to either tie or win the game.

I am actually fine with this. I am just happy they changed it for the playoffs, because it is stupid for a team's season to end, because the other team was the first to kick a field goal. Overtimes will be a lot more intense, and I am glad that it won't all be decided by a kicker, since teams will have a chance to win/tie. Anyways, eventually I think they will bring this same rule to the regular season, since the NFL regular season actually mean a lot, unlike the NBA/NHL.

Roethlisberger To Be Suspended

I think we all knew this was coming, but Ben Roethlisberger is a step closer to being suspended by the league. Roger Goodell says Ben Roethlisberger has violated the NFL's personal conduct policy, but would not confirm reports on when he will announce discipline for the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback. So now it isn't a matter of "if", just "when" and for how long?

My guess is that he will be suspended for 2-3 games. I have heard some people think it could be as high as 6, but I think that is very much overkill for something that he didn't even get in legal trouble for. I agree that he should be suspended and fined, but anything over 2-3 games is too much for something that can't really prove.

At the end of the day he put himself in bad situations, and you just can't go around whipping your dick out.

Uncapped Year Kills NFL Free Agents

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell came out yesterday and stated that the NFL will move into the 2010 season without a new CBA, which means 2010 with bee an uncapped year. There is also another fallout from this, which is all fourth- and fifth-year players are restricted free agents. This will kill the free agent class, so much so that Boston.com is called it he worst group of UFAs in a long, long time.

Just something to keep an eye on as the free agency period starts. For the Patriots they will now have guys like Logan Mankins and Stephen Gostkowski as restricted free agents, and Vince Wilfork is now all but guaranteed to be franchised.

Congress Attacking Goodell About Concussions

"NFL commissioner Roger Goodell did not acknowledge a connection between head injuries on the football field and later brain diseases while defending the league's policies on concussions before Congress on Wednesday. That frustrated several members of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, including the committee chairman, Michigan Democrat John Conyers, when Goodell told him the NFL isn't waiting for that debate to play out and is taking steps to make the game safer.

"I just asked you a simple question. What is the answer?" persisted Conyers.

Goodell replied by saying a medical expert could give a better answer than he could. But some House members complained later that Dr. Ira Casson, chairman of the NFL's committee on concussions, had not testified. Democratic Rep. Linda Sanchez gave Casson some exposure anyway, playing a clip of a TV interview in which he denied evidence of a link between multiple head injuries in NFL players with brain disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's. Sanchez said that reminded her of tobacco companies denying a link between smoking and health damage in the 1990s(Sportsline)."

This story really aggravates me. First off it is up to the doctor to clear a player, so I really don't know how much say the NFL has anymore (used to be different). My other question (which I seem to be asking a lot) is why the fuck is congress involved in this? This is something the NFLPA should be all over. I think Congress probably have more important thing to attend to then concussions in NFL player. I think that most doctors are still learning about concussions, and that they are getting better. I really don't see how these hearing will do anything, unless they just put in more stupid rules (like not being able to hit QBs, ect).

Vick To Play Week 3

Michael Vick got the green light for full reinstatement in the NFL on Thursday when commissioner Roger Goodell said the quarterback could play later this month instead of waiting until October.

Vick, recently signed by the Philadelphia Eagles, will now be able to play in the Sept. 27 game at home against the Kansas City Chiefs. It would be his first regular-season game since he was sent to prison for his role in operating a dogfighting ring. ESPN

I really like Roger Goodell and what he has done as the commissioner. He knew there was no real reason to keep Mike Vick out for the maximum 6 games, so he's bringing him back early. Even in Philly there was no protests, no booing, and the fans actually embraced the disgraced quarterback. Again, I question what he is going to do on the field and whether he will be able to fit into the offense, but it is really cool what this commissioner is doing.

Plaxico To Be Suspended At Least 8 Games

"A source has told Gary Myers of the New York Daily News that if Plaxico Burress is signed by an NFL team for the 2009 season, commissioner Roger Goodell will dole out a suspension of at least eight games for the free agent wideout. Myers presumes that any team that wants to sign Plax will call the league office to get a feel for how many games he'll miss due to suspension, and he reports that, as of the middle of last week, no team had done so (ESPN)."

This is such an odd situation, because Plaxico can be a top 5 WR, when his head is in it, but since he is going to be suspended for so long, and has a screw loose everyone is staying away from him. Someone will eventually take a chance, but I wouldn't expect that to happen until Goodell decides the exact number of games. Missing half the season could be really tough for Plaxico to overcome, since by then most players are comfortable with the offense, and with him being out for so long it could be tough to get that comfort level with his QB. Anyways, he is a shithead, and I wish nothing but terrible things for him...

Owens Not Happy With Vick Suspension

Not sure why anyone cares what they douche has to say, but....

"A lot of the guys around the league need to speak up. I think the players' union needs to step in because the guy's already suffered so much, and to add a four-game suspension onto a two-year prison sentence, I mean, that's ridiculous. The Michael Vick situation, I think, is unfortunate," Owens said. "I think the way the commissioner is handling it is unfair to Michael Vick. I think he's done the time for what he's done. I don't think it's really fair for him to be suspended four more games. It's almost like kicking a dead horse in the ground (ESPN)."

Trust me it pains me to say this.....but he is right. They guy went to jail for 2 year, lost everything he owned, and now you are adding 4 more games on top of it. It's not that I am against a suspension, but either or don't. This is kind of half assed. In my eyes you either have a real problem with him, and you make him sit out another year, or let him play. All this really does is fuck with Vick's chances of a team grabbing him. There is already so much baggage that comes along with signing him, do he really need to add making him miss a 1/4 of the season.

Anyways, I am sure the rumors will start flying about where he will go, but thus far I have not heard anything serious...

Vick To Be Suspended for four games

Whatever, I don't care at this point. All I care about is seeing his highlights. My personal opinion is that he shouldn't be allowed to play football ever again, however, Goodell is going to let him play anyways, don't suspend him an additional four games. Let the guy have time served and play. Bob brought up earlier that he should go to the UFL, but if his suspension is only 4 games, I think he will go to the NFL. Some team (The Raiders, Cowboys) will be willing to take a chance on this asshole.

Patriots Not In On Vick

Not that I ever really believe the rumors, but....

"Sources have told Michael Lombardi of National Football Post that the New England Patriots have dropped out of the running for Michael Vick. The two greatest factors in eliminating consideration for Vick signing with the Pats was the offensive scheme and the lack of an opportunity for No. 7 to become the eventual starter (ESPN)."

Well this isn't much of a story, but I am glad I don't have to hear anymore speculation about the Patriots talking to Vick. I don't think any of these rumors really mean anything until Goodell sits down and decides when he is going to allow Vick to try to make a comeback. I don't know if he can be a QB again, and it seems like most people are looking at him as more of just a "Wild-Cat option".

Stallworth Going To Jail

"Donte' Stallworth began serving a 30-day jail sentence Tuesday for killing a pedestrian while driving drunk in Florida, a punishment made possible by his cooperation with investigators and the fervent wish by the victim's family to put the matter behind them. Stallworth, 28, received the sentence after pleading guilty to a DUI manslaughter charge for striking and killing Mario Reyes while driving drunk March 14 in his black 2005 Bentley. The athlete also reached a confidential financial settlement with the family of the 59-year-old construction worker (Sportsline)."

This story really bothers me, because if this was any of us we would have been in jail for 15 years. The only reason I accept this at all is because the family of the victim was behind it, but in the end it was probably all about money. Goodell is going to need to step in here and suspended Stallworth for at least 6 games next season. If they are suspended players for DUIs and acting like idiots, then driving drunk and running over a guy should be met very harshly....

Another NFL Game In England?

"After seeing fans jam London's Wembley Stadium to watch the NFL the past two years, the league is considering adding a second regular-season game overseas in time for the 2010 season (Sportsline)."

You have no idea how much this shit pisses me off. Listen, football is not going to work in Europe. Sure they might go to a game to see what all the fuss is about, but they already tried a league there and it failed miserably. Football is an American sport (and maybe Canada). It does not need to be made international to survive. On top of all that this sucks for players/teams. It is exhausting having to fly to Europe to play a football game, and I think it is really unfair for any team that has to do it.

To make matter worse they are talking about extending the season a couple more games. The NFL is perfect the way it is (other then rookie salaries). They have the best playoff system, a season in which every game matters (unlike NHL, NBA, MLB), and a huge fan base. Don't fuck it up trying to squeeze every penny out of it. be happy with with you got...

Goodell's Take On Vick

When NFL commissioner Roger Goodell considers Michael Vick's potential return to the football from his indefinite suspension, he will be looking for evidence that the Atlanta Falcons quarterback is truly sorry for the mistakes he made.

"I'm not going to make a judgment until I know all the facts on Michael Vick," Goodell said Wednesday at the league's winter meetings, according to USA Today. "I think it's clear he's paid a price, but to a large extent he's going to have to demonstrate to the larger community -- not just to the NFL community and to me -- that he has remorse for what he did and that he recognizes mistakes that he made. "

"Everyone makes mistakes, but he has to show that genuine remorse in his ability to be a positive influence to correct the things that he did wrong publicly," he added, according to the report. ESPN

I have said flat out that Vick shouldn't be in the NFL and am going to stick by that. If I were in Vick's predicament, I would be all over the news begging for my forgiveness rather than these half assed press conferences. He should be in every dog shelter donating his time and effort, instead he has just chose to not be in the media. Roger Goodell will ultimately let him back in the NFL, but he shouldn't. This man should not be allowed to have any perks in life.

Marshawn Lynch To Meet With Goodell

"Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch will meet Tuesday with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in New York to discuss Lynch's arrest last month -- the second time in nine months he has been involved with the law (Sportsline)."

Rumors are is that he will be suspended, but for no more then 2 games. Lynch earlier this month pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge stemming from a Feb. 11 arrest. Goodell does his best to try to keep these players in order, though they really don't make it easy on him. Overall I really like what Goodell does when it comes to these off the field problems. Hopefully Lynch will learn from this, and not be a repeat offender like so many NFL players are.

Roger Goodell Does Something Cool

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has taken a 20 percent pay cut and the league staff has been trimmed by 15 percent because of a reeling economy.

The league said Wednesday it has dropped 169 jobs as a result of buyouts, layoffs and other staff reductions. Goodell voluntarily took a cut from the $11 million salary and bonuses he was to receive this past year. He and other league executives are freezing their salaries for 2009. Sportsline

Goodell is a hell of a commissioner and have agreed with a lot of the steps he has taken to make the NFL not look like a prison yard. Although he gets a little power trippy when it comes to celebrations, he has done a great job. It is nice to see someone voluntarily take a pay cut in a league where everyone is trying to get signed for the most they can. Figuring Bud Selig is getting an outrageous pay for not doing much, it is nice to see Goodell actually cares about the product he is putting out and willing to give back a little.

Michael Vick To Play In NFL Again?

Now that Michael Vick's prison sentence is over, the idea of him coming back to the NFL is starting to rear its ugly head. The Falcons are looking to trade his rights, and believe it or not, they are going to be a lot of takers. However, there is nothing Vick can do to be forgiven for running an illegal gambling ring that involved fighting dogs. Not only did Vick sit and watch as the dogs from the Bad Newz Kennels brutally murdered each other, but he often brutally murdered the dogs himself. He was the one that hung them, drowned them and electrocuted them. He should never be forgiven for his actions and Goodell should put his foot down with this one. Goodell made a huge mistake last year by letting Adam "Pacman" Jones back after he paralyzed a man, and he will make a bigger mistake if they let this narcissistic asshole back in the NFL. We all know that it is more than likely that Goodell is going to give Vick another chance, but if he does, he gives all these athletes that they can pretty much do anything they want and still play in the NFL.

Marshawn Lynch Arrested

"Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch was arrested in Southern California on a weapons charge, police said Sunday. Police said Lynch was arrested Wednesday night after officers approached him and two other men sitting in a 2006 Mercedes-Benz in this Los Angeles suburb and found a loaded firearm. Lynch was arrested after officers determined the gun belonged to him. He was released that night on $35,000 bail (Sportsline)."

This was the last thing the Buffalo Bills needed, as they are trying to rise up in the AFC East. Lynch is a main factor in this team doing anything next year and if he has to miss a game or two because of this it could really hurt the team. In the grand scheme of things this really isn't a big deal, but with all the problems the NFL has had with their players expect Goodell to continue to come down hard on any player that is arrested. To make matters worse this is the 2nd time in under a year that Lynch has had trouble with the law. In June, Lynch pleaded guilty to a traffic violation and admitted speeding off in his Porsche Cayenne SUV after striking a female pedestrian near Buffalo. With that already on his record you would think he is going to be suspended at least a game or 2 next season.

Lynch took a step last season as his rushing yards dropped slightly from the year before, but his yard per carry and TDs were about the same. Lynch is a very good running back, but until the Bills get more weapons around him he will not have a break out year, and missing a couple games won't help any of that.