Deliberation Of Penalties On Tomlin, Steelers Is Credibility Issue For NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was fined "$100,000 Wednesday for his actions on the sideline last Thursday in Baltimore" and "because the conduct affected a play on the field, a modification or forfeiture of draft choices will be considered after the final order of the 2014 draft has been determined," the NFL said in a statement.

In a statement released by Tomlin, he addressed the penalty this way: "As I stated yesterday, I take full responsibility for my actions, and I apologize for causing negative attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. I accept the penalty that I received. I will no longer address this issue as I am preparing for an important game this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins."

In If It Ain't Steel's last article covering Tomlin's "SidelineGate", I was very clear that I didn't believe anything would happen to the Steelers themselves, i.e. a forfeiture of draft picks. What I said was:

"To honestly believe the NFL will actually take the quantum leap from a fine (knowing their true main objective is money) to taking away a draft pick is as viable as me walking into my closet and walking through it into a land where I find myself conversing with a talking lion." - http://ifitaintsteel.blogspot.com/2013/12/tomlin-steelers-to-be-fined-but-wont.html

So, I was just in Narnia talking with Aslan and...

So, the fact that the Steelers could potentially lose a draft pick (a late-round draft pick is what is speculated) or see their picks somehow "modified" (moved from 17th to 32nd?) in the draft isn't the main issue for me. It's the elongated deliberation of the final decision.

If NFL is going to take or modify a Steelers draft pick, why wait until a later date? Why not simply announce it now and then announce the particulars at a later time? Why does there have to be so much time taken to make this decision? Consider this.

In 2007, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spent little time before handing down "SpyGate" fines to the New England Patriots that totaled approximately $750,000 ($500,000 for Bill Belichick, $250,000 for the team) and stripping New England of their first-round draft pick, though they already had a second first rounder that year, for the premeditated and willful video taping of teams for years. How little time? All of 6 days.

For premeditated and willful actions surrounding "BountyGate," the New Orleans Saints suffered a $500,000 fine and the loss of their second-round picks in 2012 and 2013 over that scandal. Sean Payton forfeited the entire 2012 season and his entire 2012 salary. Also, DC Gregg Williams was suspended for the season, GM Mickey Loomis for eight games and assistant coach Joe Vitt for six games. It took Goodell just under three weeks to mete out all that punishment.

Yet, for an unintentional and admitted "blunder" Goodell wants to wait as much as four months to decide whether or not draft picks are affected?

Now, because of this elongation, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac has reported that the "Steelers are very upset with the NFL's threat of draft choices in the Mike Tomlin penalty, saying 'there is no precedent for it,' per team source."

And rightly so. As Neal Coolong of Behind The Steel Curtain said recently in a conversation we had, "They haven't taken a pick, they don't have any justification for doing so, it's nothing more than precautionary talk for the rest of the league, and getting it on the record in case, in an extreme hypothetical scenario, Baltimore and Pittsburgh end up at a tie-breaker that is determined by points, they can take action."

Though Coolong is correct, the notion of waiting to see how it affects draft order based on tie-breakers is ridiculous and just as egregious as the "crime" itself. (But, it's Goodell, what else is new?) The NFL's "unforeseen ramifications" response in this case is simply absurd.

The game still could have gone any direction because I firmly believe that Cortez Allen would have caught Jones anyway. Then they say that four points (the difference between a field goal and a touchdown) is an impact on playoffs? Please!

Does anyone truly believe playoff tie-breaker factors ever go that deeply into the process? The tie-breaker factor of points is so low that the only factors following it were the colors of the teams' uniforms and whether Fireman Ed was at the last New York Jets home game. Stop it. The NFL is simply embarrassing itself.

As for those four months referenced earlier, compensatory picks are announced for every team in March and this punishment could be part of that equation. If so, it is then the NFL who is committing a premeditated and willful act.

Why Didn't You Strip Goodell of His Power When You Had The Chance?

A lot of you who regularly follow this blog and know us on Facebook and Twitter know that we are always calling out Roger Goodell and his inconsistencies. This blog has covered a lot of them on occasion. Well, loyal readers, get ready to fall off your chairs, because If It Ain't Steel is actually going to defend the Furor...well, somewhat. I haven’t completely lost my mind yet.

I am sure by now all of you have seen or heard Drew Brees' comments regarding commissioner Goodell. He has been very vocal about his feelings for the commissioner and the penalties that he levied against the Saints coaches and players. This time it really didn’t have to do with the punishments, but more about Goodell himself. Brees recently did an interview with Peter King of Sports Illustrated and made it very clear he is not happy with the Furor.

Brees, speaking to Peter King of Sports Illustrated, certainly makes it sound like the latter -- King asked Brees about NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and how NFL players feel about him, and Brees said that "nobody trusts him."
"Nobody trusts him. Nobody trusts him. I'm not talking about a DUI, or using a gun in a strip club, which are pretty clear violations," Brees said. "I think there're too many times where the league has come to its decision in a case before calling a guy in, and the interview is just a façade. I think now if a guy has to come in to talk to Roger, he'll be very hesitant because he'll think the conclusion has already been reached."


Peter King made it clear that Brees is very angry with the commissioner, you can find the Brees interview on the second page of the article. -http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/peter_king/07/29/mmqb/index.html

But you know what? GET OVER IT!!! I am so sick of hearing about how upset Drew Brees is with the commissioner. You know what, Drew? You should have thought about that before you pushed the CBA getting passed. Yes, Drew Brees was amongst the players who helped negotiate the current CBA. So, Drew, you and the representatives for the NFLPA are the last people who need to be griping about anything that Goodell does, because you allowed him to keep that power.

They had a chance to strip Goodell of some of his power and they chose to go for more money. So, I look at it as you get what you asked for. Even the NFLPA has been very vocal about Goodell and his punishments against the Saints, even trying to use the HGH testing against them to get Goodell’s power taken away. They have been very vocal on how Goodell has overstepped his power. Well, guess what, you allowed him to keep that power. That is no one’s fault but your own.

So, therefore, Goodell is actually doing his job, the job which you the players gave him. Only one team voted against the CBA and that was the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hmm, now they aren't looking so foolish, are they? There is no proof of that being the reason, but I bet it played a big factor into why they voted against it. Considering at the time the Steelers were the most fined players in the NFL. Where was all this negativity and speaking out when that was going on? Oh, that’s right, it didn’t affect you at the time.

I will be the first to admit that Goodell has been inconsistent on who gets punished and who doesn’t. This blog has written on several occasions about that very fact. It was very evident when Ben Roethlisberger was suspended over allegations, yet was never charged. A few months later a player was arrested in an airport for carrying a firearm, and then the list goes on from there, with no punishment. Those are examples of the inconsistencies to which I am referring. I am a firm believer in, if you want to send a message, you need to punish them all. Maybe he will one of these days, but I doubt it.

But, Goodell got his one right. He sent the message that it is not alright to target or put bounties out on opposing teams or players. The punishments sent a message to other teams that have or may have been thinking about doing it. Brees can get on his soapbox and preach all he wants, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter. Goodell still got it right and you had a hand in allowing him to have the authority to do just that.

So, my suggestion is, take you lumps like Sean Payton and Greg Williams have. Stop whining to the media about it and move on. I know this hurt your team, but you know what, they should have realized they were not above being punished. The fact of the matter still remains that you allowed Goodell to bring down the hammer swiftly when you agreed to the current CBA. So, you have no one to blame but yourself and the NFLPA for agreeing to it.

I always had a lot of respect for Brees, at least until all this happened. He was always was someone to be respected because of the way he carried himself. With all this happening of late, though, it has caused me to have a different view of him. I still respect him as a player on the field, but that is where it ends.

As Sean Payton Cajoles Bill Parcells He Thumbs Nose At Goodell

Only days after Commissioner Roger Goodell handed down the sanctions on the New Orleans Saints organization did we see head coach Patrick Sean Payton do something that was tantamount to flouting those sanctions.

Payton was suspended because of his involvement with and subterfuge regarding "Bounty-gate", but he basically thumbed his nose at it and started to woo his buddy Bill Parcells to come out of retirement and to coach the Saints while Payton sits in the corner on his year-long timeout.

From 2003 to 2005, Payton worked as quarterbacks coach of the Dallas Cowboys under Bill Parcells, and, of course, the Saints coach since 2006.

It began to sound like a scenario the Bard would conjure with the parties involved, Payton, Parcells, Goodell and Ray Anderson, completing this dramatis personae. It began to sound something like this:

SEAN PAYTON (Sampson) TO BILL PARCELLS (Gregory) (New Orleans Saints - Capulets):
I will thumb my nose at them by recruiting you to coach my team in my absence, if they bear it.

-- Enter ROGER GOODELL (Abraham) and RAY ANDERSON (Balthasar) (NFL - Montagues)

GOODELL:
Do you thumb your nose at us, sir?
PAYTON:
I do thumb my nose, sir.
GOODELL:
Do you thumb your nose at US, sir?
PAYTON:
[Aside to PARCELLS] Is the law on our side if I say yes?
PARCELLS:
[Aside] No, Congress is even looking to step in now.
PAYTON:
No, sir, I do not thumb my nose at you, but I do thumb my nose, sir.
PARCELLS:
Do you have a problem with me, sir?
GOODELL:
"Problem?" No, sir. I just thought you were retired is all.
PAYTON:
Well, if you do, sir, I apologize. *wink wink* I love football as much as you.
GOODELL:
No better or worse. I've proven my love by attempting to reduce injuries. I do believe that's why we're here in the first place, sir.
PAYTON:
Well, sir, I suppose...but I was hoping to recruit and nominate my man, sir.
GOODELL:
Did you abide by the Rooney Rule, sir? ~ Romeo & Juliet, Act I, scene i

Ok, yes, I have an imagination. Still, Payton has acted as if Goodell has no teeth and that he can go and campaign for his replacement. Not that he's acting completely mutinous, but it is still somewhat insubordinate.

Now Payton has also appealed, as he has the right to do, his suspension. That will give Payton more time now to cajole his friend and former coach to become the team’s interim head coach. And the plot thickens... - http://t.co/x9OVIQBd

Separately, the Saints, General Manager Mickey Loomis, and Saints assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Vitt actually have all appealed their punishments/suspensions - http://t.co/oBgYX76k

All things considered, including all we remember of Parcells' antics in the NFL, the attitude being displayed by Payton smacks at disrespect toward his situation. Even his apology for "what has happened" rather than for his complicit involvement and lying to the inquiry after the fact. I simply don't hear or see true remorse from Payton.

But, despite coming down with the appropriate severity in order to send an adequate message, Goodell's examples of inconsistent punishment are legion. So, it would be easy to understand the impetus behind Payton's mindset and actions.

A plague on both their houses...

This Time Goodell Gets It Right With Punishment Of Saints

The news finally came down Wednesday morning on the New Orleans Saints' bounty program after a lengthy investigation. The punishment for former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, head coach Sean Payton and general manager Mickey Loomis has been announced and it is unparalleled in it's severity.

"Bountygate" brought penalties against the Saints organization, coaches and GM that is unprecedented in NFL history. It tops the New England Patriots "Spygate" scandal from and makes it clear that commissioner Roger Goodell finds the purposeful and complicit organization of injuring players distasteful and egregious.

For once, we agree on something.

This blog has been consistent in it's disdain for Roger Goodell. His inconsistency in punishing players is a point of contention for players and fans alike. So much so that he even comes across at times as impotent, showing favoritism and/or being vindictive. He even seems to have a personal grudge against the Pittsburgh Steelers and, in particular, James Harrison. So, to admit that Goodell actually got something right is like swallowing medicine without the teaspoon of sugar.

The actual sanctions, though, were as follows according to the NFL:

"The New Orleans Saints are fined $500,000. Because the violation involves a competition rule, the Saints will have their second round picks of the 2012 and 2013 NFL drafts taken away."

"Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis is suspended without pay for the first eight regular-season games of the 2012 season."

"Former Saints (and current St. Louis Rams) defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is suspended indefinitely from the NFL, effective immediately. Commissioner Goodell will review Coach Williams’ status at the conclusion of the 2012 season and consider whether to reinstate him, and, if so, on what terms. Commissioner Goodell said he will give close attention to the extent to which Coach Williams cooperates with the NFL in any further proceedings."

"Saints head coach Sean Payton is suspended without pay for the 2012 NFL season, effective April 1."

"Saints assistant Head Coach Joe Vitt is suspended without pay for the first six regular-season games of the 2012 season."

"The Saints and the individuals disciplined today are expected to participate in efforts led by the league office to develop programs that will instruct players and coaches at all levels of the game on the need for respect for the game and those who participate in it, on principles of fair play, safety and sportsmanship, and to ensure that bounties will not be part of football at any level."

March 2nd was the date we all heard the announcement of the NFL’s initial findings. It was then that the league office conducted a further investigation, including the meeting of Goodell with several of the key individuals involved, sometimes with subsequent visits. He also met with the leadership of the NFL Players Association and individual players to discuss it.

Along with all of the sanctions levied, the Commissioner also released this statement:

Commissioner Roger Goodell notified the New Orleans Saints today of the discipline that will be imposed on team management for violations of the NFL’s long-standing “bounty” rule that endangered player safety over a three-year period.

Discipline for individual players involved in the Saints’ prohibited program continues to be under review with the NFL Players Association and will be addressed by Commissioner Goodell at a later date. The program included “bounty” payments for “knock-outs” and “cart-offs,” plays on which an opposing player was forced to leave the game. At times, the bounties even targeted specific players by name.

The NFL’s extensive investigation established the existence of an active bounty program on the Saints during the 2009, 2010, and 2011 seasons in violation of league rules, a deliberate effort to conceal the program’s existence from league investigators, and a clear determination to maintain the program despite express direction from Saints ownership that it stop as well as ongoing inquiries from the league office.

“We are all accountable and responsible for player health and safety and the integrity of the game,” Commissioner Goodell said. “We will not tolerate conduct or a culture that undermines those priorities. No one is above the game or the rules that govern it. Respect for the game and the people who participate in it will not be compromised.”

“A combination of elements made this matter particularly unusual and egregious,” Commissioner Goodell continued. “When there is targeting of players for injury and cash rewards over a three-year period, the involvement of the coaching staff, and three years of denials and willful disrespect of the rules, a strong and lasting message must be sent that such conduct is totally unacceptable and has no place in the game.”

Regarding the employes and players, Goodell said, “Beyond the clear and continuing violations of league rules, and lying to investigators, the bounty program is squarely contrary to the league’s most important initiatives - enhancing player health and safety and protecting the integrity of the game,”

Goodell also said. “Let me be clear. There is no place in the NFL for deliberately seeking to injure another player, let alone offering a reward for doing so. Any form of bounty is incompatible with our commitment to create a culture of sportsmanship, fairness, and safety. Programs of this kind have no place in our game and we are determined that bounties will no longer be a part of the NFL.”

He further stated that NFL coaches and supervisory employees need to "communicate openly and candidly with the principal owner and/or his designated representative; to ensure that club ownership is informed on a complete and timely basis of all matters affecting the club’s operations; and to avoid actions that undermine or damage the club’s reputation or operating success.”

Coach Payton knows this. It's in the contract he signed.

Commissioner Goodell will address players separately along with assistance from the NFLPA. Regarding this Goodell said, “While I will not address player conduct at this time, I am profoundly troubled by the fact that players - including leaders among the defensive players - embraced this program so enthusiastically and participated with what appears to have been a deliberate lack of concern for the well-being of their fellow players.”

Goodell further said. “While all club personnel are expected to play to win, they must not let the quest for victory so cloud their judgment that they willingly and willfully target their opponents and engage in unsafe and prohibited conduct intended to injure players.”

One player who is believed to be the player to face the harshest punishment is Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma. He reportedly offered $10,000 to any player who could knock Brett Favre out of the NFC Championship Game.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees was "speechless" over the sanctions and wants an explanation. http://t.co/2OuVkDzX

Roger Goodell's response to Brees' demanding an answer regarding the suspensions: "We were lied to" http://t.co/111FiNmI

I agree...for once. Goodell has actually handled this well. But, hey, even a blind pig finds a truffle now and then. (I'm sorry, did I get off track?)

The Saints, though, as an organization was contrite regarding the bounty punishments http://t.co/1fLQwKqx

Gregg Williams is also quotes as being "shocked but remorseful" over it all.  http://t.co/rZ8DuAg2

All in all, the NFL Commissioner laid down a heavy hammer regarding the bounty program, and rightly so. There's simply no place in the already-very-violent NFL where there are full-blown, blatant attempts to "willingly and willfully target" someone to injure them.

Goodell may have caused hair on the back of many necks to rise with his trying to deter and curtail debilitating, career-ending and life threatening hits and overall play. I still maintain that it is because he has been very incongruous in how he doles out his punishments. This time, though, he actually got it right.