Above the fold
Swarmy
The NFL received the punishment recommendation for DeShaun Watson yesterday. It suspends him for six games and imposes no financial fine for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Former federal judge Sue L. Robinson, who was named the independent disciplinary officer in the case, handed down the ruling Monday.
The NFL and The NFL Players Association have about 48 hours left to appeal the decision.
Watson evidently attempted at least 24 passes to 24 different massage therapists. That’s how many came forward as the sordid tale wound through the criminal and civil proceedings. That’s about how many he settled in civil suits with nondisclosure agreements attached.
Predictably the sports and social media world lit up. The suspension is too much for some and not enough for others.
Comparisons to previous actions were fast and furious.
How can Calvin Ridley get a full season suspension for betting $1500 on NFL games? What about Patriots owner Robert Kraft getting off (so to speak) without even a slap on the wrist for a few trips to the local massage parlor himself? What about Ben Rothlisberger? This means Alvin Kamara’s on-tape beat down in the Vegas elevator will only be two or three games, won’t it?
On and on it went, and on and on it will continue for a bit.
There are harsh realities to all of this hubbub.
One is that the NFL can do what it wants. Its only obligation is to its conscious and to its checkbook, not in that order usually.
Make no mistake about it, their number one goal in matters like this is to protect their brand. That’s why even the appearance of insider gambling is viewed as more grievous, and likely always will be.
In protecting the brand and its ever-increasing franchise values and gushing revenue stream, its fans (read as paying customers) must feel satisfied. That’s why Commish Goodell arranged not only for a female independent officer but a former judge. Women worldwide are where the next leg up in viewer eyeballs lives.
Expect the NFL to appeal the ruling. It looks good and has no downside. The NFLPA has already asked to let the punishment stand.
But, what is Watson guilty of anyway?
Houston PD, its DA, and a grand jury went down the criminal investigation road and declined to file any charges. Speculate all that you wish, but it’s “he said/she said” in the civil cases and bound by NDA’s.
Usually, where there is smoke there is fire. And, the NFL’s own investigation found a four-alarm one.
We submit he’s guilty of not feeling guilty. Denial and/or lying repeatedly isn’t a good look.
He’s maintained all along that he’s done nothing wrong. And, that unto itself is wrong. Man up.
This brings us to compare. Remember Tiger Woods and a dozen or so dalliances he confessed to not long after his nine iron became a hood ornament on his Mercedes?
Tiger knew better. Tiger confessed. Tiger suspended himself. Tiger asked for time. Tiger entered sexual addiction rehab. Tiger came out the other side a better person for it. Tiger today is adored by millions.
This has been a terrible look for Watson and by extension the NFL. And, if nothing else, that’s why the NFL will hand down a six-game suspension at a minimum.
But, by mid-October Watson will be back throwing as many passes on the field as he attempted while on his back off of the field.
Above all, America loves a winner. Cleveland craves one.
This too shall pass, like it or not.
It just feels swarmy. Because it is.
Comment section
Engage. Enrage. Enjoy.
When the judge works for the entity that it is judging, one must take pause.
I think this judge doesn’t, or at least has the appearance there of.
Why oh why does the “League” do what it does? 3.3 billion reasons. Yep, that’s the TV advertising revenue last year. And it’s expected to grow 3-6% this year. So that’s quite enough to dispel any rumors that Roger is soft on bad behavior.
It’s clear that this isn’t about a conscience that the league has but a real pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. The NFL polls and adjusts. Just like Biden. The fact is that people felt sorry for Kraft, the widower and who really cares?
No other league is quite like the NFL in terms of ad cash and nobody makes decisions like Roger. Nor should they.
He who has the gold….
Related Posts: