The NFL: Consistently Inconsistent Over the years, the NFL has been subject to widespread controversies. From bounty scandals and dog fighting to banned substances and domestic violence, the multi-billion dollar league always seems to be under the microscope. This year has been no different with the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson domestic violence cases. The NFL, being the most popular and lucrative sport in the nation by a considerable margin, often comes face to face with the comic book saying, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Based on recent history, the league’s hierarchy have taken questionable steps toward combatting these perpetrators and have therefore instilled a sense of doubt among the people who continually help
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That type of situation was not true in Peterson's case, since his suspension was the first and only punishment he received from the league. Overall, the rulings made by the NFL have not at all been black and white, like they should have been, but rather grey. The NFL promised a more suitable conduct protocol in wake of the Peterson and Rice incidents. They took (and still are taking) their time by negotiating with the union to institute that revised policy, which in their eyes is, sound policy. They have done some disturbing things in the meantime between the “dog days” of summer and what they promise will be a polished, new future. There is a strong link between protecting the image of the game and the impact of player suspension. As stated before, the NFL is the most watched sport on television and therefore, a lot of pressure is put on the league to sustain that level of popularity. However, with domestic violence cases skyrocketing, along with others, the league often faces the decision of whether to suspend players or keep them to retain popularity. Brant Webb, a writer for the American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy and Law, wrote an interesting piece …show more content…
It is well known that the most valuable asset of a sports league is its players. The quality of the league fluctuates according to the quality of its players”(Webb 160). It seems that today, professional sports front offices often have trouble deciding which bridge to cross. In my opinion, its an easy one. Though fans like to see their favorite superstars on the field, everyone has morals and for the most part, know right from wrong. Money has to come second in these situations, otherwise, backlash will occur and the disparity between growing a superior wallet versus growing a superior example will continue to widen. The league has gone back on previous policies only to save “the face” of the NFL, while dragging its feet because of a combination of punishment and guilt. Despite it being a time of disarrangement and indiscipline, Goodell did make one ruling that no one would argue against. According to Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune, Goodell felt “Peterson showed no real remorse. He did not promise to change his behavior {…}and chose to side with the NFLPA and his legal team in challenging Goodell’s power”(Souhan).
That type of situation was not true in Peterson's case, since his suspension was the first and only punishment he received from the league. Overall, the rulings made by the NFL have not at all been black and white, like they should have been, but rather grey. The NFL promised a more suitable conduct protocol in wake of the Peterson and Rice incidents. They took (and still are taking) their time by negotiating with the union to institute that revised policy, which in their eyes is, sound policy. They have done some disturbing things in the meantime between the “dog days” of summer and what they promise will be a polished, new future. There is a strong link between protecting the image of the game and the impact of player suspension. As stated before, the NFL is the most watched sport on television and therefore, a lot of pressure is put on the league to sustain that level of popularity. However, with domestic violence cases skyrocketing, along with others, the league often faces the decision of whether to suspend players or keep them to retain popularity. Brant Webb, a writer for the American University Journal of Gender, Social Policy and Law, wrote an interesting piece …show more content…
It is well known that the most valuable asset of a sports league is its players. The quality of the league fluctuates according to the quality of its players”(Webb 160). It seems that today, professional sports front offices often have trouble deciding which bridge to cross. In my opinion, its an easy one. Though fans like to see their favorite superstars on the field, everyone has morals and for the most part, know right from wrong. Money has to come second in these situations, otherwise, backlash will occur and the disparity between growing a superior wallet versus growing a superior example will continue to widen. The league has gone back on previous policies only to save “the face” of the NFL, while dragging its feet because of a combination of punishment and guilt. Despite it being a time of disarrangement and indiscipline, Goodell did make one ruling that no one would argue against. According to Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune, Goodell felt “Peterson showed no real remorse. He did not promise to change his behavior {…}and chose to side with the NFLPA and his legal team in challenging Goodell’s power”(Souhan).