OT: Saints players suspension

[DoTheDew]

"Smarter" helmets? It would seem to be the most accepted remedy but they unfortunately don't seem to exist, so that's the first hurdle I guess lol

That might help with concussions, but it's not going to help with the various physical problems below the neck that players get. Players are constantly demanding greater post-retirement medical benefits because they know the physical toll the game takes. If that is their stance, then they should be thrilled that Goodell is trying to make the game less violent.

 

[Monty]

Very insightful point here IMO. You're totally right, the NFLPA is going to have to pick its poison with this one. My guess is they'll appeal, since their responsibility is to all the players. But the fact is their position has been weakened across the board. They got taken to the woodshed during the lockout (I think it was poorly handled and that they overplayed their hand) and then with all the lawsuits and the bounty scandal and now this. Their position has weakened considerably in the past 2 years. Hasn't been a fun ride for them.

Then when you consider moving to an 18-game schedule their position is all over the place. They're being totally outmaneuvered in my opinion, morally, ethically and legally.

You're right, they most probably will appeal as their suspended clients will urge them to do. However, their commitment to the appeal will be significantly impacted by their involvement in the retired players' cases. Once Goodell plays the hand we all think he will, I cant see the appeal getting a favorable outcome for the suspended players.

 

[AzStevenCal]

You're right, they most probably will appeal as their suspended clients will urge them to do. However, their commitment to the appeal will be significantly impacted by their involvement in the retired players' cases. Once Goodell plays the hand we all think he will, I cant see the appeal getting a favorable outcome for the suspended players.

I don't think Goodell will even have to bring it up. The NFLPA is well aware of it and the last thing they want is to give the NFL ammunition for their defense in the court cases.

Steve

 

[52brandon]

That might help with concussions, but it's not going to help with the various physical problems below the neck that players get. Players are constantly demanding greater post-retirement medical benefits because they know the physical toll the game takes. If that is their stance, then they should be thrilled that Goodell is trying to make the game less violent.

that's a good point. It can't be avoided unless they just switch to flag football though. It is a violent game, they know it when they sign up

 

[Monty]

I don't think Goodell will even have to bring it up. The NFLPA is well aware of it and the last thing they want is to give the NFL ammunition for their defense in the court cases.

Steve

It depends on how much the suspended players insist on appealing. If they force the NFLPA's hand to launch a committed appeal, the commissioner's office would likely at least hint at the hypocrisy in the NFLPA's actions.

 

[Longcolts]

Actually if I understood the process properly Goodell spent a lot of time with the NFLPA on this subject. I don't believe that the NFLPA is going to help them a damn bit. They have one appeal process and that goes through the comissioner. These penalties are going to stand, there isn't a doubt in my mind.

 

[DoTheDew]

that's a good point. It can't be avoided unless they just switch to flag football though. It is a violent game, they know it when they sign up

I agree. But as others have said, you can't spearhead a lawsuit from retired players against the NFL for concussions and the like, and then appeal suspensions for players who are actively trying to cause concussions and the like.

The NFLPA is looking more and more like their goal is to go against Goodell/the owners on everything, whether it is good for them or not.

 

[52brandon]

I agree. But as others have said, you can't spearhead a lawsuit from retired players against the NFL for concussions and the like, and then appeal suspensions for players who are actively trying to cause concussions and the like.

The NFLPA is looking more and more like their goal is to go against Goodell/the owners on everything, whether it is good for them or not.

true. Politics...

 

[Longcolts]

Didn't Goodell take so long on these punishments because he was working with the NFLPA on what type of punishment should be given out? What's the appeal deadline for these guys? Does anyone know?

 

[Duckjake]

Against Denver when Timofey Mozgov fouled [Blake] Griffin hard, we learned later in a giddy Nuggets locker room that it was all premeditated. Andre Miller told Mozgov to put Griffin on his ass, he did it, and the Nuggets celebrated their strategic success. In New Orleans, after Smith body checked Griffin in the open court, he openly egged on the crowd (again as if we were at Wrestlemania) and high-fived fans as he left the arena. In Phoenix, the clueless officiating crew handed out a technical foul for an inevitable and frankly pretty calm reaction from Mo Williams, thus removing any direct penalty from Lopez' ridiculous foul. And what is the worst part of these three incidents? The fact that they worked, as the Clippers lost all three games. This is becoming the book on beating the Clippers. Hit them, bloody their nose, and you can beat them.

Is the NBA next?

Also much be something in the water in New Orleans.

 

[Fitz Rulz]

Anthony Hargrove's declaration to NFL regarding Saints bounty scandal

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl--a...n-to-nfl-regarding-saints-bounty-scandal.html