Roger Goodell: Why He Needs To Resign
Roger Goodell is never shy when it comes to being in the spotlight, especially since “deflategate” happened. Since that was unraveled, it was clear that Goodell was on a mission to make a statement. His statement was not to New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady, but to the rest of the NFL players.
Recently, Brady finally waved the white flag and gave up fighting his suspension. Whether or not Brady was wrong doesn’t matter at this point. What really matters is the amount of control that Roger Goodell currently has. Roger Goodell needs to resign and end his campaign as commissioner of the NFL.
If there is one thing Goodell has proven, it’s that he has total control over who steps on the football field. He was set out to suspend Tom Brady for his role in deflategate and that is exactly what he did in due time. Goodell has made it clear that his interest is widely shaped by how issues are perceived by the public rather than what is right for the players.
@nflcommish cares more about @nfl image than players? Hey, Roger Goodell: Leave HBO's 'Ballers' alone- Zap2it @NFLPA https://t.co/r9mEZ2POLh
— Moving backwards feels horrible (@DamonLMoore) July 17, 2016
Goodell has taken this so far that he is even criticizing players for appearing on HBO’s new hit show Ballers. This may have to do with the show picturing the more “party side” of life in the NFL and the kinds of social issues players deal with. The show isn’t only about NFL players’ partying, but the financial struggles they go through after retirement. It’s a mystery as to why it is such an issue, but this is only the cusp of the many issues with Roger Goodell.
Players around the league have spoken out against Goodell and the negative impact he has on them. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, New Orleans Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees was not quiet about the matter and voiced his opinion about commissioner Goodell and his power.
“I think we would all agree that he definitely has too much power. He is judge, jury and executioner when it comes to all the discipline. I’m not going to trust any league-led investigation, when it comes to anything. It’s not transparent.”
Many players feel that if Roger Goodell is set out to suspend a player, it is something that can’t be stopped or overturned. Goodell is the sole decision maker when it comes to player discipline and players seem to think that is bias. There has been an outstanding issue when it comes to player discipline and the power of the NFLPA (National Football League Player’s Association). Basically, the NFLPA is almost powerless when it comes to a suspension being upheld by the commissioner.
After more than a year of Deflategate lunacy, Roger Goodell's power is absolute. https://t.co/zaJbRNfxAj pic.twitter.com/ZNLzbhrEur
— Sporting News NFL (@sn_nfl) July 17, 2016
Among NFL players, Goodell was never a popular man. Deflategate pretty much sealed his fate and made him the league’s number one villain. He suspended Brady and fined the Patriots without having any complete proof of their respective roles in the matter. That sends a message that says Goodell can do whatever he pleases. This leaves a lasting negative impression and warning of what could happen to virtually any NFL player.
He has proven time after time that he is on the side of team owners when it comes to any dispute. The most important thing for him to do is to keep them happy, and that means he has to keep making them money. In reality, anyone could be commissioner and make the NFL team owners money. However, the majority of owners happen to like Goodell and the approach he has taken with the league. That probably has something to do with the NFL players’ contracts. NFL contracts are just downright sad compared to other sports’ leagues.
The NFL makes more money than any other sports league in America, and the players still don’t get paid properly. Both NBA and MLB players’ contracts are much more lucrative than an NFL players’ contract. Goodell plays a large role in the matter, siding with the owners on collective bargaining deals that are lopsided. Even though the NFLPA has to approve of these deals, the owners and Goodell are clearly taking advantage of the players. These issues won’t subside until Roger Goodell resigns and a new commissioner tries to usher in an era of change.
[Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images]
