The NFL is arguably the most powerful sports entity in the world, making commissioner Roger Goodell one of the most powerful men in sports. But is he too powerful? Is he too visible? Is he becoming bigger than the league that created him? I applaud his hard line stance on player mis-conduct. Athletes are role models (whether the like it or not) and it's important to show that we should be accountable for our actions regardless of our social status. I do wonder, however, why there is no outside committee to hear a player's appeal. Even a prison warden has a parole board. With that being said, some of Goodell's recent quotes can be interpreted as alarming to say the least.
Goodell recently lashed out about rookie salaries, calling them "rediculous". With all due respect Mr. Goodell, Im sure there are social workers, police officers, and school teachers who would call your salary rediculous. Besides, each team is given the same salary cap amount to shape their roster. If a team decised to give the bulk of their money to an unproven player, and they say under the cap, then no harm no foul. The NFL will prosper whether that team is competitive or not.
Staying on the subject of the rediculous, apparantly Goodell has hired a security team to investigate possible gang activity going on during games. That's right...gangs...as in drive by shootings, murder, and mayhem. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't hand signals just as important to the NFL as the first down markers? And how can this be legislated without some form of profiling or stereotyping? I seriously doubt that any of Peyton Manning's pre snap antics will ever come under league review.
Still not convinced? How about Goodell's recent "involvement" with the on going feud between Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. By openly putting pressure on Green bay to resolve this matter, you indirectly handicap any chance for fair compensation should they indeed be looking to trade Favre. You compromise the integrity of the league office and you lift the lid on Pandora's box. Now I beg to question, what players are worthy of the Commissioner's intervention? Can Kurt Warner make his plea to be the starter over Matt Leinard? Can Daunte Culpepper "pull some strings" to reclaim his old job in Minnesota? A wise man once told me..."If it ain't broke...don't fix it".
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