It’s a thin line to walk. Roger Goodell better be a trapeze artist. And a good one.
Protecting players is equally as important as protecting the game. But overprotecting one will hurt both.
Frankly put: Violent hits are a part of the NFL. Violent illegal hits should not be.
Recently this big news around the league (save Brett Favre’s texting habits) has surrounded how players should be punished for conduct detrimental to the opposing team’s mental health.
The NFL is trying to protect players’ heads. And, in a roundabout way, their investments.
Goodell warned the league starting with this week’s games, violent conduct will result in a suspension. Tuesday, the NFL imposed some of the largest (recent) fines on three players for their dangerous hits. Steelers’ James Harrison, Falcons’ Dunta Robinson and Patriots’ Brandon Meriweather were dinged up to $75,000 for violent hits last weekend.
Meriweather apologized. Harrison didn’t. Robinson simply plans to appeal.
Brian Ayrault, Mohammed Massaquoi’s (one of Harrison’s victims) agent, responded to the fine with disappointment.
“Harrison has made $20 million over the past three years, and they only fined him $75,000?” he told the AP. “To me, that’s not going to be a deterrent.”
Harrison responded to the fine complaining the league is watering down physical play.
He wasn’t alone.
Players around the league, on offense and defense, agreed suspending players for “violent hits” is an overreaction. Phillip Daniels was the most opinionated.
“Have we become a cupcake league?” He posted on his Twitter. “We already have better helmets and gear.”
The question is: how violent too violent and what constitutes a hit worthy of suspension? Goodell needs to find an answer.
Then, and only then, should it be enforced, And until then players will be second guessing themselves and fans might be caught second guessing the game.
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