Do the Players in the NFL Have a Point?

Before I write this blog, I want to reiterate that I do not support the Saints bounty program.

With that being said. There has been strong opposition towards Commissioner Goodell’s handling of the situation on behalf of the players in the NFL. Many say that he is taking away the physicality of the sport and has no genuine interest in player safety. Others say that his background in law has navigated his interested in the direction of league protection and his platform of player safety is simply a façade to maintain support among the fans and players. Whether or not the above is true, I find it incredibly telling and interesting that the players have publicly and without fear expressed their dislike for the Commissioner not just because of this bounty gate scandal but also because they feel he is not genuinely interested in player safety.

Starting with bounty gate, there is no room in the NFL for it. I understand that motivational speeches that state “let’s run them into the ground” or “we are going to rip their (blank) heads off” is a part of the game and it’s not those types of speeches that bother me. It is the money and specificity of the desired injury attached to the monetary value that frustrates me.

Player’s say their fear is that the Commissioner is taking away the physical part of the game by punishing the Saints so harshly because they feel that any big hit will now be viewed in his eyes as a bounty hit and will be investigated. Every player that has come out and discussed bounty gate whether it was on TV or in an interview has said that this sport is a physically violent game and they understand the risks, love the sport and don’t want to see it changed. Many fear that in the future Rodger Goodell will have turned the NFL into a Flag Football league with all of the rules against big hits and concussions.

What I don’t think Mr. Goodell understands is that a significant portion of the fans appreciate the big hits, it is those hits that changes the course of a game and what we as fans boast about for the minutes and hours afterwards. If that part of the game is softer or even non-existent, we will not want to watch and his popularity will significantly decrease.

Which brings me to my next point. Rodger Goodell is obviously not too popular among the players. Jay Feely, the kicker for the Arizona Cardinals was on First Take today saying that he doubts that the Commissioner has a genuine interest in player safety and his real interest is protecting the league from lawsuits such as the one they are facing now with concussed players. Now, I understand that it is not in the league’s best interest to get sued but the problem with his premise is the fact that his desire to protect the league will cause a reduction in revenue and in the long term, cost him his job. The biggest problem the Commissioner is the fact that he has been accused of denying workman’s compensation to injured players, forcing them to endure years of litigation in order to get the money they deserve. If these accusations prove to be true, the next investigation that needs to be held is the one that investigates the manner in which he conducts this business.

Whether or not the players have a point, my greatest concern is how the fans are going to react to the Commissioner’s rule changes. We love the big hits and if he’s taking them away, what is left for us to have?