Boycotting the NFL in 2012

[OLS]

I think this is going to be a protest of one person, but I am not going to watch NFL football in 2012.
Say what you want about the Saints, as a lifetime fan, I dealt with people thinking we were the junk
of the NFL for over 40 years, and though it seems that the Saints ignored warnings and even lied about
bounties, I challenge anyone to prove to me that it was a one team deal. The punishments were egregious
to boot, with one year suspensions for 2 or more major people. This hurts Drew Brees, this hurts Saints fans,
this hurts the city of New Orleans. So the NFL can kiss my entire a$$ in 2012, and we'll see where it goes
from there. I may be done with them altogether. I gave up the NBA in the 80s and never watched another game.

[smitty81]

you break the rules and get caught, you will pay the price just like anything else in life.

Why should they be above the law?

[GreekGodX]

Brad while I agree that other teams are doing it, Saints got caught, then tried to lie about it. I do think the NFL has been harsh on fines and suspensions but they are trying to get rid of foul play in the league.

I really don't think the Saints will be hurt that much by this. As long as they sign Brees they should be ok. He commands everyone's attention in that locker room and is a coach in himself. He'll keep the team in working order no matter who the interim coach is.

[chippewastud79]

I think it helps Drew Brees more than it hurts him. Sorry to say, but it gives him a huge bargaining chip for a new deal. He runs the locker room and is the heart of the organization. They can re-sign him and save some face with the fans. :2

[Subvet642]

I think this is going to be a protest of one person, but I am not going to watch NFL football in 2012.
Say what you want about the Saints, as a lifetime fan, I dealt with people thinking we were the junk
of the NFL for over 40 years, and though it seems that the Saints ignored warnings and even lied about
bounties, I challenge anyone to prove to me that it was a one team deal. The punishments were egregious
to boot, with one year suspensions for 2 or more major people. This hurts Drew Brees, this hurts Saints fans,
this hurts the city of New Orleans. So the NFL can kiss my entire a$$ in 2012, and we'll see where it goes
from there. I may be done with them altogether. I gave up the NBA in the 80s and never watched another game.

I hear where you're coming from, but it sounds like you believe that they shouldn't be held accountable for their actions because they aren't the only ones doing it. If this is the case, then, at which point should they be held accountable? Would it therefore be reasonable to say that no one should get a speeding ticket because others get away with it?

[Starscream]

Brad, I can't tell you what to do here, but I don't see the reason to boycott (other than to not have to witness the pain and suffering that Saints fans will probably have to witness this year). Yes, I'm sure other teams put bounties on opposing teams' players, but they don't have players who openly broadcast it like the Saints did. It doesn't make it right, but if you're gonna have a group of people do something that is unethical, make sure you can trust everyone in that group. The Saints aren't the only team to put bounties on people, but they are the ones who slipped up and got caught, therefore they pay the price alone.

[jonumberone]

Well Brad, look on the bright side.
By September, that awful Three Stooges movie you're excited about, should be in the discount DVD bin at Wal-mart. :D
You can watch it every Sunday! ;)

You get called in to see the man, the man tells you to stop, you say "we will", you don't, you get caught, you pay the price, end of story.
This was more about lying to the commish than the actual bounty program. :2

[srduggins]

Saints got a raw deal. Goodell is horrible for the NFL. Can't wait to see him go, but it looks like I'll be waiting a while.

[smitty81]

Well Brad, look on the bright side.
By September, that awful Three Stooges movie you're excited about, should be in the discount DVD bin at Wal-mart. :D

You get called in to see the man, the man tells you to stop, you say "we will", you don't, you get caught, you pay the price, end of story.
This was more about lying to the commish than the actual bounty program. :2

I'm sure that had a lot to do with it but as much publicity as this got, I think it had more to do with the bounty program. It wasn't quite hush hush exactly. Once this hit espn, the doors were blasted wide open.

[yourchoice]

A few sayings come to mind...

Don't let the door hit ya' where the Good Lord split ya'!
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time!

[Starscream]

Well Brad, look on the bright side.
By September, that awful Three Stooges movie you're excited about, should be in the discount DVD bin at Wal-mart. :D
You can watch it every Sunday! ;)

:2

:r

[Bageland2000]

I hear where you're coming from, but it sounds like you believe that they shouldn't be held accountable for their actions because they aren't the only ones doing it. If this is the case, then, at which point should they be held accountable? Would it therefore be reasonable to say that no one should get a speeding ticket because others get away with it?

:tpd:

[OLS]

When you start a thread, you have to be ready to read anything, but I was very clear that
I understood that they ignored warnings and covered things up. I am not sure how that
translates in any way into me saying that they shouldn't be held accountable for their actions.
I am not holding my breath and pouting here. NO ONE HAS EVER gotten a punishment like this
in the history of the league. It's extreme and I don't like it. And again, while it doesn't matter
in this particular boycott, I defy anyone to show me evidence that the Saints are the only team
doing this. But again, my point is not to have anyone's approval of my boycott, with what little
effect it may have. Just saying that this punishment is over the top and they can kiss my entire A$$.

[smitty81]

When you start a thread, you have to be ready to read anything, but I was very clear that
I understood that they ignored warnings and covered things up. I am not holding my breath
and pouting. NO ONE HAS EVER gotten a punishment like this in the history of the league.And again, while it doesn't matter in this particular case, I defy anyone to show me evidence
that the Saints are the only team doing this.
But again, my point is not to have anyone's approval of my boycott, with what little effect
it may have. Just saying that this punishment is over the top and they can kiss my entire A$$.

Tell me the last team that has done something like this and has been caught and exposed to the public like the saints have........

[OLS]

Would it therefore be reasonable to say that no one should get a speeding ticket because others get away with it?

No, this is like saying that if you get caught speeding, a cop can shoot you in the fu(King head.
And it looks like the Saints are the only ones to get caught in that speed trap. AND THEY WERE
SPEEDING.

And look, all I am really saying is I am extremely pi$$ed off at Goodell and he will have to deal with
my boycott. :) I am a 50 year old man, I do not say things like, 'it's not fair, everybody is doing it'.
I DID at one stage of my life, but there are dozens of cliche's to cover that.

[smitty81]

No, this is like saying that if you get caught speeding, a cop can shoot you. The Saints are the first one to get caught in that speed trap.

If they are the first ones to get caught then who are you to decide what the proper punishment is?

What are you gauging it off of?

[OLS]

Tell me the last team that has done something like this and has been caught and exposed to the public like the saints have........

What did the Patriots get for cheating? I am not saying that anyone's health
was at risk in their cheating scam, I am asking what did they get? Do you remember?

[smitty81]

What did the Patriots get for cheating? I am not saying that anyone's health
was at risk in their cheating scam, I am asking what did they get? Do you remember?

comparing apples to oranges here bud.

We are talking about PEOPLES health and lives here, not cheating.

Thats like comparing robbery to murder if you will, they will get different punishments obviously.

[OLS]

If they are the first ones to get caught then who are you to decide what the proper punishment is?

What are you gauging it off of?
I am gauging it off of what I think is fair and what I will tolerate of it
before I get disgusted enough to stop watching football in protest.

[smitty81]

I am gauging it off of what I think is fair and what I will tolerate of it
before I get disgusted enough to stop watching football in protest.

Well I guess thats YOUR choice and opinion and your entitled to them. Let's face it though, we are nobody to the NFL. They have their own judge and will set their own laws and punishments. They could care less what we think. The laws and rules are in place for a reason.

[OLS]

Smitty, it's called reading comprehension, look into it, lol. WAY at the top of the page, you asked
why they should be above the law? Who ever said anything remotely like that? I am saying the penalty
is far too harsh for a league based on violence. AND that I am not going to watch it out of protest based
on that opinion.

In your question of apples and oranges, I clearly stated that I knew one was not like the other,
and asked you if you remembered the penalty for the Patriots. Apparently you did not.
Of course you were simply trying to LEAD me to answer that no one had ever DONE anything
like this and been caught, to which you would reply "hence the unprecedented punishment."
But I am too smart for you.

[Powers]

At least you still have LSU :tu

And SEC football is way more fun to watch anyhow

[Islayphile]

What did the Patriots get for cheating? I am not saying that anyone's health
was at risk in their cheating scam, I am asking what did they get? Do you remember?

I believe that Beli was fined 500k and the team was fined 250k

He wasn't suspensed however

[OLS]

Well I guess thats YOUR choice and opinion and your entitled to them. .

Precisely why I am going to boycott the league.

And Islay, your googling was correct. 500k and 250k

Off the top of my head, the Saints lost 500k, 2 draft picks, a coach, a GM and an assistant coach.
Plus many as yet un-named fines to individuals. And the one who F'ed everybody is gone, but indefinitely suspended.

[OLS]

At least you still have LSU :tu

And SEC football is way more fun to watch anyhow

It's ALL I have left, Powski....

[AD720]

re: the patriots

I think everyone (except Jets fans :D ) can admit that it was a similar thing - everyone was doing it but they got caught so they got punished.

[smitty81]

Smitty, it's called reading comprehension, look into it, lol. WAY at the top of the page, you asked
why they should be above the law? Who ever said anything remotely like that? I am saying the penalty
is far too harsh for a league based on violence. AND that I am not going to watch it out of protest based
on that opinion.

In your question of apples and oranges, I clearly stated that I knew one was not like the other,
and asked you if you remembered the penalty for the Patriots. Apparently you did not.
Of course you were simply trying to LEAD me to answer that no one had ever DONE anything
like this and been caught, to which you would reply "hence the unprecedented punishment."
But I am too smart for you.

Whatever you say bud. They broke the rules and got caught. They knew what could happen and obviously didn't care. Deal with it, it is what it is.

[OLS]

Deal with it, it is what it is.

I AM dealing with it. I even started a thread to state how I was going to deal with it.

[smitty81]

I AM dealing with it. I even started a thread to state how I was going to deal with it.

Sounds more like a disgruntled fan to me. I think it's a fair punishment and I would feel the same way if I was a Saints fan too.

It's my un-biased opinion. I neither like nor hate the Saints.

[yourchoice]

NO ONE HAS EVER gotten a punishment like this
in the history of the league. It's extreme and I don't like it.

There have been a lot of individual punishments that were a year or longer. First to come to mind for me are Paul Hornung and Alex Karas. Of course I read "no one" as individuals, whereas if you said "no team", I would agree. But no team has been caught like this, so it makes sense no team has had this severe of a punishment.

Here's a list of one year and greater punishments handed out by the NFL (as of 2007 (LINK (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-04-10-2000948370_x.htm))).

Life - Art Schlichter, Indianapolis, gambling, suspended for one year on June 1983. Was released following the 1985 season; pleaded guilty to an illegal gambling charge April 1, 1987. NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle did not reinstate after Schlichter applied for permission to re-sign.

Life - Stanley Wilson, Cincinnati, substance abuse, suspended Jan. 22, 1989; permanently banned May 15, 1989.

Life - Earl Ferrell, Phoenix, 1990, substance abuse, voluntarily retired.

Life (reinstated after 1 year) - Dexter Manley, Washington, substance abuse, Nov. 18, 1989.

Life (reinstated after 1 year) - Frank Warren, New Orleans, substance abuse, April 13, 1990.

Life (reinstated after 1 year) - Terry Taylor, Detroit, substance abuse, Sept. 20, 1990.

Two years - Tony Collins, Indianapolis, substance abuse, Aug. 13, 1988-July 11, 1990.

Two years - R. Jay Soward, Jacksonville, substance abuse (four games), June 8, 2001; extended another six games Oct. 10, 2001 by NFL. Then Jaguars suspended him for four games, personal conduct, Dec. 7, 2001. Suspended for the next season Jan. 9, 2002.

1 year, 10 months - Darrell Russell, Oakland, substance abuse, Jan. 2, 2002-Oct. 28, 2003. Suspended indefinitely July 26, 2004 for substance abuse, two weeks after cut by Tampa Bay.

1 1/2 years - Stanley Wilson, Cincinnati, substance abuse, Oct. 30, 1984-May 8, 1986.

1 1/2 years - Dale Carter, Denver, substance abuse, April 25, 2000-Nov. 7, 2001.

16 games - Leon Lett, Dallas, substance abuse, final three games of 1996 and the following season, Dec. 3, 1996.

1 year - Paul Hornung, Green Bay, gambling, 1963 season.

1 year - Alex Karas, Detroit, gambling, 1963 season.

1 year - Mike Reilly, L.A. Rams, substance abuse, 1983.

1 year - Stanley Wilson, Cincinnati, substance abuse, June 24, 1987 (served 10 months).

1 year - Tim Worley, Pittsburgh, substance abuse, April 29, 1992.

1 year - Chuck Levy, Arizona, substance abuse, Aug. 25, 1995.

1 year - Carlton Haselrig, N.Y. Jets, substance abuse, Nov. 27, 1995.

1 year - Roosevelt Potts, Indianapolis, substance abuse, Aug. 20, 1996.

1 year - Larry Webster, Baltimore, substance abuse, Aug. 20, 1996.

1 year - Josh Evans, Tennessee, substance abuse, June 20, 2000.

1 year - Tyrone Robertson, Buffalo, substance abuse, Dec. 10, 2002.

1 year - Onterrio Smith, Minnesota, substance abuse, June 7, 2005.

1 year - Kendyll Pope, Indianapolis, substance abuse, Aug. 31, 2005.

1 year - Ricky Williams, Miami, substance abuse, April 25, 2006.

1 year - Odell Thurman, Cincinnati, substance abuse (four games), July 26, 2006; extended for one year Sept. 27, following his arrest on a drunken-driving charge.

1 year - Koren Robinson, Green Bay, substance abuse, Oct. 17, 2006.

1 year - Adam "Pacman" Jones, Tennessee, personal conduct, April 10, 2007.

[shilala]

Brad, I thought the Saints penalties were crazy severe, as well.
I think the one thing you're missing, or didn't really get here, is that it's not that "there were warnings".
They were caught by the NFL and told to cut the sh1t out.
They ignored it.
Then, in a time while the league was under microscopic scrutiny and loaded down with concussion-related lawsuits, this came to light again.
You can bet your bottom dollar the lawsuits played a large part in the severity of the penalties. The Saints earned those penalties for being flat stupid, putting the league in jeopardy, and being stupid.

If this all comes to light 10 years ago, it means nothing. I'll argue all day long that it's a part of football, at least to a point. You don't go out and Theismann a guy just because you can, but if you're not exploiting injury to win a game, you ain't trying.

As much as I disagree with the severity of the penalties, and as much as I think they're a sham, I think you and I can agree that the Saints earned a penalty for being stupid. That stuff belongs in the locker room, not on national tv.
THEY forced Goodell's hand. Proof? He didn't do dick to them the FIRST time they were caught. They backed him right into a corner this time, and he had to be severe to show that "The NFL takes a blah, blah stance, player safety blah" because that's what is going to minimize the checks the NFL has to write for all the concussion and player safety lawsuits they are currently fighting.

Don't blame the NFL, even if they are corporate hogs. The Saints brought this one on themselves, lock, stock and barrel.
If you need any more proof that the Saints are stupid, Drew Brees does not have a contract. He hasn't signed signed the franchise tender. Right now, the Saints don't have Drew Brees. Now THAT'S stupid. If I were Brees, and that's what that club thought of me, I'd be on vacation with you this season.

[OLS]

Not going to watch any of it.

[RWhisenand]

Wow,
Let me preface my comment by stating that I'm not really a football fan but I can't believe that paying players to purposly injury an opponent, possible ending his career is at all acceptable.

I'd think of nothing less then a lifetime ban for those involved, and if it were up to me a fine too.

The NFL, from the outside, looks like a trashy organization ATM.:2

As far as a boycott, fine I didn't like it in the first place...

[oooo35980]

At least you still have LSU :tu

And SEC football is way more fun to watch anyhow

QFT, I haven't been able to muster up enough interest to watch the NFL in years.

[The Poet]

Brad, you are certainly entitled to hold any opinion you wish, and protest in any way you desire. However, you need realize that the vast majority of the "sporting" nation has absolutely no problem with the punishments dropped upon the Saints, nor will they have problems with those likely to follow against individual players down the road. Not only has the climate changed in the NFL when it comes to the oftimes brutality inherent in the game, but the present-day litiginous atmosphere, and subsequent legal and financial risks the league faces, forces Godell to take a hard line to protect the league from a potential rash of lawsuits, which could end up destroying the economy of the sport . . . and thus the sport itself.

So which would you rather have: A bad season or two following these sanction, or no NFL at all?

[GreekGodX]

I love all the SEC and LSU love. Like they've never cheated :rolleyes:

[oooo35980]

I love all the SEC and LSU love. Like they've never cheated :rolleyes:

Who said anything about them not cheating? College football is just 100000000 times more fun to watch. Well, except for the latest BCS championship, I'm a born and raised Alabama fan, and I'm glad they left no doubt as to who was the better team, but Gawd that game was dull.

[icehog3]

The NFL is already facing major lawsuits over concussion syndrome and other maladies affecting retired (some prematurely) players. Now, something comes to public light where coaches were asking players to hurt other players? How can the NFL not respond harshly?

[shilala]

Not going to watch any of it.
If they screw up and lose Brees, which they really deserve to at this point, I don't blame you. I wouldn't watch them either.
I'm gonna get directv, the NFL package, and go into a football coma from Thursday till Monday, watching every single NFL game every week, cause I love that sh1t.
I'm super excited to see how Griffen 3 and Luck work out, and I'm gonna watch Cam Newton tear it up, and see how Peyton does in Denver. It looks like an exceptional year coming up.

[smitty81]

If they screw up and lose Brees, which they really deserve to at this point, I don't blame you. I wouldn't watch them either.
I'm gonna get directv, the NFL package, and go into a football coma from Thursday till Monday, watching every single NFL game every week, cause I love that sh1t.
I'm super excited to see how Griffen 3 and Luck work out, and I'm gonna watch Cam Newton tear it up, and see how Peyton does in Denver. It looks like an exceptional year coming up.


I agree, It should be an interesting year with all the trades and new players

[shilala]

I'm gonna boycott Gurkha for another year just to show my support. Solidarnosc!!!

[Taki]

Not to just jump in the mix but....The Saints did F up but they do not deserve the harsh penalties that were handed down (keep in mind $hit flows down hill). Everyone can say this should have happened or that but really there was no standard to go by and Goodell just threw the book at them. I don't think Payton should have been suspended that long but I dont know otherwise I would be commish! :tu

I will tune in tomorrow to see the backlash of this comment....

All that being said, football is turning into flag football and I give it say about 5 years till its turned into two hand touch!!!! Oh and as much as I hate Pittsburgh, I love the way Harrison plays the game!! By far one hell of a defensive player, the way the game used to and should still be played! I am not saying I love to see people get hurt but come on every little hit now is getting fined!!

TWO HAND TOUCH...should be called HANDBALL from the start anyway - make more sense!

[Taki]

I'm gonna boycott Gurkha for another year just to show my support. Solidarnosc!!!

+1 on the boycott of Gurkha

[Bruzee]

Brad, I don't personally know you, so this comment is not personal. But it sounds to me, from the outside looking in, that you are kind of throwing a fit. Because you don't like the penalties, you won't watch any NFL games this season. I'm not sure how this "boycott" effects anyone adversely but you. The NFL surely won't notice, the Saints as an organization surely won't notice, but you won't get to see any professional football. It's like sending yourself to time out. Remember why we are sports fans. We watch sports to congregate with our family/friends, banter with co-workers, and to have a reason to throw on the jersey of our favorite player and scream at the TV. Dont punish yourself Brad, which is all you are really doing. :2

[Pseudosacred]

I hate Drew Brees since he left San Diego. Rivers, late season, is better than him, anyhow :fu:fu

But, I respect you backing your team :tu

[AlohaStyle]

I'm boycotting Tom for giving himself the Blackhawks... :D

[icehog3]

I'm boycotting Tom for giving himself the Blackhawks... :D

I gave myself nothing. :r Ironic luck of the draw, although no where near as ironic as Bigwaved drawing the Sens. :hn

[deaster25]

Brad, I don't personally know you, so this comment is not personal. But it sounds to me, from the outside looking in, that you are kind of throwing a fit. Because you don't like the penalties, you won't watch any NFL games this season. I'm not sure how this "boycott" effects anyone adversely but you. The NFL surely won't notice, the Saints as an organization surely won't notice, but you won't get to see any professional football. It's like sending yourself to time out. Remember why we are sports fans. We watch sports to congregate with our family/friends, banter with co-workers, and to have a reason to throw on the jersey of our favorite player and scream at the TV. Dont punish yourself Brad, which is all you are really doing. :2

:tpd:

[Taki]

I hate Drew Brees since he left San Diego. Rivers, late season, is better than him, anyhow :fu:fu

But, I respect you backing your team :tu

Didnt San Diego more or less say they didnt want him because of his shoulder?? :confused:

[taltos]

I believe that Beli was fined 500k and the team was fined 250k

He wasn't suspensed howeverThey also lost a first round draft pick. I am going to give the Saints as much sympathy as the Pats got which is 0.

[Blak Smyth]

I am going to be watching the NFL this year more than I have in the last few years. It is an exciting time to be a Redskins fan!

[Subvet642]

No, this is like saying that if you get caught speeding, a cop can shoot you in the fu(King head.
And it looks like the Saints are the only ones to get caught in that speed trap. AND THEY WERE
SPEEDING.

And look, all I am really saying is I am extremely pi$$ed off at Goodell and he will have to deal with
my boycott. :) I am a 50 year old man, I do not say things like, 'it's not fair, everybody is doing it'.
I DID at one stage of my life, but there are dozens of cliche's to cover that.

I understand why you're pissed off; you've just watched your team get eviscerated for doing what you're convinced everybody else is doing. I think that ANYONE that participates in, what amounts to, conspiracy to commit mayhem should be prosecuted. The Law, and a person's Rights do not stop at the sidelines. Targeting a person for injury is a crime, whether on the field or on the street.

[OLS]

t I can't believe that paying players to purposly injury an opponent, possible ending his career is at all acceptable...

I want to stay out of this as much as possible now that it is clear I am of the major minority opinion, (?) ,
but the wording of this above is difficult for me to parse. I think what you are actually SEEING every Sunday,
from EVERY team is a defense that is purposely trying to hit an opponent so hard that he stays on the
sidelines....a bounty merely pays EXTRA for it. Trying to end a career is certainly a messed up aim
that all players will tell you in public is NOT what they want. But fans are naive if they think that these
guys are not trying to get the first string out of the game as soon as possible, it simply makes it easier
to win games and I would bet they are encouraged to do it 5 days a week.

However at the same time I also think that if you have not played pro football, you don't have a CLUE what
they think or what actually goes on inside a pro locker room/meeting room. So speculation about their aims
based on what they say to the media is useless, I think.

[OLS]

I would also like to answer in one fell swoop, everyone who has basically characterized me
as having a hissy fit over this judgement. Some have even tried to do it gently as if it
changes what they are implying. I am boycotting the NFL in 2012. Nowhere in any of my
posts have I encouraged others to join my cause or share my opinion. Nowhere in any of
my posts have I ever inferred that I think I am going to hurt the NFL by boycotting it.
Nowhere in any of my posts have I inferred that I feel I am going to incur some kind of
personal, emotional loss by missing games. Like I said early on, when I thought the NBA was
becoming basically pro wrestling with a ball, and that they were marketing themselves like they
wanted thugs and gang-bangers for their audience, it was clear to me that they did not want me
as a fan I left them behind and never gave them a second look. If I do this to the NFL too, it will
be because I felt they came down too hard on my team. And lastly, if people then say "Well then
what's the point of your post if you don't care who knows, who cares about or who is hurt by your
boycott?" And I say to that, have you READ some of the posts we get here?? There is one that
basically asks people to tell us all what the most expensive thing they ever bought was.

[smitty81]

I want to stay out of this as much as possible now that it is clear I am of the major minority opinion, (?) ,
but the wording of this above is difficult for me to parse. I think what you are actually SEEING every Sunday,
from EVERY team is a defense that is purposely trying to hit an opponent so hard that he stays on the
sidelines....a bounty merely pays EXTRA for it. Trying to end a career is certainly a messed up aim
that all players will tell you in public is NOT what they want. But fans are naive if they think that these
guys are not trying to get the first string out of the game as soon as possible, it simply makes it easier
to win games and I would bet they are encouraged to do it 5 days a week.

However at the same time I also think that if you have not played pro football, you don't have a CLUE what
they think or what actually goes on inside a pro locker room/meeting room. So speculation about their aims
based on what they say to the media is useless, I think.

There is a difference between playing a clean game and getting a nice hit on the person with the ball and going out on the field with a particular person targeted that you are trying to physically hurt just because. And then we can throw in that the coach is paying the player to target another player to inflict physical injury just to take him out of the game.

You seem to fail to see the difference between the two and it makes you feel better to say that everyone is doing it.

No, not everyone is doing it.

There are still some class acts out there that get good clean hits and just play the game.

[yourchoice]

I want to stay out of this as much as possible now that it is clear I am of the major minority opinion, (?) ,
but the wording of this above is difficult for me to parse. I think what you are actually SEEING every Sunday,
from EVERY team is a defense that is purposely trying to hit an opponent so hard that he stays on the
sidelines....a bounty merely pays EXTRA for it. Trying to end a career is certainly a messed up aim
that all players will tell you in public is NOT what they want. But fans are naive if they think that these
guys are not trying to get the first string out of the game as soon as possible, it simply makes it easier
to win games and I would bet they are encouraged to do it 5 days a week.

However at the same time I also think that if you have not played pro football, you don't have a CLUE what
they think or what actually goes on inside a pro locker room/meeting room. So speculation about their aims
based on what they say to the media is useless, I think.

Your opinions of the aims of players is speculation too, Brad. So not only do I/we not have a clue, but, no offense, neither do you! It's ALL speculation!

[shilala]

I gave myself nothing. :r Ironic luck of the draw, although no where near as ironic as Bigwaved drawing the Sens. :hn
I got the first draft pick in our Fantasy Baseball league that I'm running. I've never got first draft pick in anything, ever. Yahoo must love me this year. Miguel Cabrera, yeah!!! :tu

[icehog3]

I got the first draft pick in our Fantasy Baseball league that I'm running. I've never got first draft pick in anything, ever. Yahoo must love me this year. Miguel Cabrera, yeah!!! :tu

I congratulate and adore you, My Friend! :D

[Wanger]

Some pretty strong opinions here. I'll voice mine now, too. There's a few issues here. Had the Saints stopped when they were told to, this would be a non issue. They were told to stop, and they didn't, then there was the lie and coverup. Additionally, there is all of the evidence that the league had against them. Whatever the documentation of the program is (e-mails, etc.), too. There's obviously no precedent for a team doing anything like this and being punished, so that's one of the big problems. IMO, they were slapped on the wrist a couple times, already, when the league told them to knock the $hit off. They kept doing it, showing a lack of respect for the league and their authority. What else were they to do? They had to mete out a punishment severe enough to let the team (and the rest of the league) that they mean what they say, and if you don't follow the rules, you're going to pay a hefty price. Was it too steep? Obviously to you, it was. Were it to happen to the Vikings, I'd say flat out fire the coach and GM, and let them deal with the suspension when they're out of work, or when (if anyone would hire them again) someone else decides to hire them. They knew the rules, and were reminded of them, but still went around it. IMO, it's much like the "lack of institutional control" charge that college programs deal with when an assistant and/or coach is violating rules, and the AD gets their hand slapped with that.

Now, did they end anyone's career? I don't know, honestly, but there was the intent to injure opposing players. I played enough football to know the brutality of it. At the same time, you weren't out there trying to cause an injury that could potentially end someone's playing days/career. With the knowledge of what concussions have done to some former players (Al Toon and Merril Hoge come to mind right away), going after someone's head in this day and age is beyond not cool. A coach who condones that, and a player who does that, too, is not someone I'd want to play for or with. The fact that Williams didn't care if they hit someone after the whistle (which I believe the tape that I've heard states) implies a disregard for clean play. Play to the whistle, and help your opponent up, not beyond it.

As for just knocking a player out for the game goes...well, that one has been debated a lot. Yes, these athletes have a lot better body control than your average Joe, but at the same time, there aren't many physics majors out there who know just the level of force to apply to cause a "minor" injury vs a "major" one.

I think the NFL's hands were tied a bit in regards to the punishment they handed out. They are being sued for not doing enough to protect the players' safety, especially in regards to concussions. Handing out a punishment like that says that they're serious about it, and want to protect the players.

It serves multiple purposes here, to show they want to protect players, and to serve notice to anyone else who thinks they can get around the rules that if they are caught, they will be punished severely.

:2

[dave]

I am going to be watching the NFL this year more than I have in the last few years. It is an exciting time to be a Redskins fan!

This is what sports is all about!!!


Even a Skins fan can work himself into such a frenzy as to be excited about football! This stuff is better'n drugs.





February through August is always the best time to be a Redskins fan.

[Islayphile]

February through August is always the best time to be a Redskins fan.

Aint that the truth

:(

[OLS]

Your opinions of the aims of players is speculation too, Brad. So not only do I/we not have a clue, but, no offense, neither do you! It's ALL speculation!

Yep, that's why I specifically stated this "So speculation about their aims
based on what they say to the media is useless, I think."

[OLS]

Your opinions of the aims of players is speculation too, Brad. So not only do I/we not have a clue, but, no offense, neither do you! It's ALL speculation!

Yep, that's why I specifically stated this "So speculation about their aims
based on what they say to the media is useless, I think."

What's more, I think Roger Goodell killed Trayvon Martin....This Zimmerman guy is just a patsy.

[Wanger]

yep, that's why i specifically stated this "so speculation about their aims
based on what they say to the media is useless, i think."

what's more, i think roger goodell killed trayvon martin....this zimmerman guy is just a patsy.

lmao!

[Pseudosacred]

i got the first draft pick in our fantasy baseball league that i'm running. I've never got first draft pick in anything, ever. Yahoo must love me this year. Miguel cabrera, yeah!!! :tu

you took cabrera over fielder or votto??????!!!!!!

[icehog3]

you took cabrera over fielder or votto??????!!!!!!

Cabrera will probably be close to Prince in HRs, best him in triples, and hit for a much better average.

Who is this Votto you speak of? :r

[Blak Smyth]

This is what sports is all about!!!


Even a Skins fan can work himself into such a frenzy as to be excited about football! This stuff is better'n drugs.





February through August is always the best time to be a Redskins fan.

True, but THIS year will be different, haha Hahahah Bahahahahahahahaha :D

Oh and I got the best player in baseball with the overall #2 pick this year! KEMP! (A bit bias, but the numbers don't lie)

[Texan in Mexico]

OLS - I believe I understand your statement and I agree with you. You are not looking for a pity party or to have us join forces with you. Thankfully you live in a country where you can voice your opinion and this Forum has always been a place where we respect each other's opinions.

Unfortunately, as they are dealing with billions of dollars of annual revenues and pending lawsuits, hypocrisy raised its head for the good of the majority. As mentioned above, if the hammer didn't drop it would have been a boon for existing litigation.

Again, I agree with you up to the Martin reference, IMHO it is too soon for that joke.
Posted via Mobile Device

[Starscream]

If they screw up and lose Brees, which they really deserve to at this point, I don't blame you. I wouldn't watch them either.
I'm gonna get directv, the NFL package, and go into a football coma from Thursday till Monday, watching every single NFL game every week, cause I love that sh1t.
I'm super excited to see how Griffen 3 and Luck work out, and I'm gonna watch Cam Newton tear it up, and see how Peyton does in Denver. It looks like an exceptional year coming up.
Cam is a BEAST! Gotta love a QB with that swag. Go Panthers!

[Starscream]

Who is this Votto you speak of? :r

You're going to Hell for that, Tom.:r

[Starscream]

Brad, I enjoy your posts and your presence here, so I'm going to be honest here, no offense intended.
I think this thread that you have created have been similar to a few threads that I have created here, especially in the sports section. In the past, I have made a judgement and a decision and I posted it here looking for acceptance, yet there was no acceptance by the members here at CA. I still firmly stand behind my thoughts, opinions, and decisions, even if the majority here say I am wrong. I don't think that you created this thread for the sole purpose of looking for acceptance in your decision, but deep down, maybe even subconsciously, you created this thread looking for someone to back you and agree with you. It didn't happen, and it's ok. You made a decision, you can back it and at the end of the day, you can still live with yourself and accept it. That's a good thing. I may not agree with you entirely on this subject, although I do see where you're coming from, and I respect your decision.
I may be way off base here, but this thread reminds me of a few that I have started over the years. No harm, no foul either way. At the end of the day, we here are ALL friends and BOTls, and whether or not everyone agrees with you or not, we still can respect your decision.:tu

[icehog3]

You're going to Hell for that, Tom.:r

Among other things. :lr

[Starscream]

Among other things. :lr

I'm right there with ya.

[OLS]

I respect your opinion starscream, but no, I really just put it up there to let people know that I was pissed off about the
penalty, and for my own sake, that was the last straw. And I LOVE the Saints. Hard to imagine doing something that
counter-intuitive. Why miss football to protest a penalty against your team. I fully understand all the opinions
where people say this is a REAL problem in the league and they were warned twice and they did it anyway. Do Raiders
fans resent people thinking their team plays dirty? Do Eagles fans resent that people consider them the worst fans
in the league? It's all relative. I agree that you have to protect the pumpkins of these players WHO CHOOSE to play a
dangerous game and they do it for the money. It's all relative. I am not anti-fair play. I am anti bullying by the league
office. RIGHT OR WRONG, I resent their actions and I intend to protest.

Why I chose to make a thread on it is simple, I was frustrated by the severity of the penalty and I am a member
in good standing. I COULD do it so I DID IT. I am not looking for sympathy for me or my team.
The league can kiss my entire A$$.

[Starscream]

I respect your opinion starscream, but no, I really just put it up there to let people know that I was pissed off about the
penalty, and for my own sake, that was the last straw. And I LOVE the Saints. Hard to imagine doing something that
counter-intuitive. Why miss football to protest a penalty against your team. I fully understand all the opinions
where people say this is a REAL problem in the league and they were warned twice and they did it anyway. Do Raiders
fans resent people thinking their team plays dirty? Do Eagles fans resent that people consider them the worst fans
in the league? It's all relative. I agree that you have to protect the pumpkins of these players WHO CHOOSE to play a
dangerous game and they do it for the money. It's all relative. I am not anti-fair play. I am anti bullying by the league
office. RIGHT OR WRONG, I resent their actions and I intend to protest.

Why I chose to make a thread on it is simple, I was frustrated by the severity of the penalty and I am a member
in good standing. I COULD do it so I DID IT. I am not looking for sympathy for me or my team.
The league can kiss my entire A$$.

Fair enough, Brad.:tu

[Stephen]

Well, ESPN made sure that a lot of people will be boycotting MNF this upcoming season. Holy crap, that might be the worst MNF schedule ever. The good thing is at least I won't be dragging ass into work on Tuesday morning.:D

[OLS]

Kanye West says the NFL hates black people.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nfl-denies-witness-retractions-bounty-235010948--nfl.html

[timj219]

The punishment was appropriate because the crime was aimed straight at the pockets of the other owners. Put yourself in the shoes of an owner who just signed Aaron Rodgers to a multiyear deal that includes $35 million in guaranteed money. Now another team gives a linebacker a bonus of a few 10s of thousands of dollars to injure Rodgers and his career is over. Not only are you out the $35 million but your team just went from perennial playoff contender to also-ran. Ticket sales, sponsorship deals, merchandising right in the toilet.

The Saints bounty program was a serious threat to the profitablility of every team in the league and they're lucky the penalty was no worse.

[smitty81]

Well, ESPN made sure that a lot of people will be boycotting MNF this upcoming season. Holy crap, that might be the worst MNF schedule ever. The good thing is at least I won't be dragging ass into work on Tuesday morning.:D

I'll be watching one of the games. :D

[icehog3]

So they reinstated the players, Brad, is the boycott over?