I understand his quest to clean-up the NFL and the image that the players reflect, but is Goodell being consistent and reasonable?

D. Stallworth killing a man, while DUI should be punished (1 yr. suspension) for his behavior, if not by the courts then by the NFL for criminal behavior.

Just handed down, Shaun Ellis (NYJ) suspended for 1 week AND fined $100,000 for marijuana possession - NOT even drug-test results, but possession. Using his salary of $3Mill (not worth looking-up exact '09 figure) the week off is $187,500, AND he's fined. This is overkill, to me, and I'm not even a user (past or present).

Is Goodell expecting too much of today's player? Obviously the NFL gets a black-eye from idiots carrying/shooting guns in public, driving DUI (whether they hurt or kill anyone else), or spousal abuse... but possession costing a guy over $1/4 Million? Ricky Williams should be paying the NFL to be on a roster, if that's the case.

No not at all. Its privledge to play in the league not a right.

I dont think he is being harsh at all.

You ask if he is expecting to much?

Is it to much to expect from guys NOT to drive drunk, smoke dope, carry weapons and beat their significant others? These guys are representing one of the biggest corporations in the world. They are also living the dream of every red blooded American male. I dont think Roger is asking to much for them to carry themselves in a good orderly fashion.

My point in asking is it too much, isn't that the players should be expected to behave. Maybe I'm getting "soft" as I age, but I don't think possession of pot is worthy of a player getting hit for $287,500. I completely agree with penalizing Plaxico, Donte Stallworth, Pacman, and others for weapons issues and/or driving drunk.

heck yeah he should expect them to behave.

But with some of these guys... There are people in this world who just dont know the diffference between right and wrong and if they do they just dont care. They will go out and do whatever they want regardless of who it effects.

Now they have things like rookie symposiums to get the players acclimated with the NFL and let them know what is expected of them.

Im a little soft also but regardless of what we think about the punishment rules are rules.

IMO, the overall issue here is peer pressure and culture shock. I don't have time to look it up, but I would guess going from a college student to a professional athlete is one of the largest jumps out there. Even a doctor or a lawyer would more than likely need a rather wealthy background in order to attend eight years of college. Many college players go from way below the poverty to multi-millionaires in a matter of days. I am not trying to stereotype or be racist in my statements.

It is the responsibility of commissionaire of the league (or any company in the public spotlight) to maintain a positive image with the employees of that company. It is is also the responsibility of the organization to prepare their players to not make a bad mark on that organization.

The rookie symposium is nothing but a huge joke. The NFL flies people who just found out months before they are going to be millionaires and have pockets full of money to SOUTH FLORIDA of all places and lectures them for four days on how to be a valuable member of society.

You must be 18 years old to play in the NFL, and the ultimate responsibility for ones actions is on that player, just as it is on you and me. However it would be in everyone's best interest to better prepare players for the situations they place off the field.

Isupport him and his heavy hand. The NBA was very popular in the sixties, but cocaine made the league almost nonexistent in the '70's until Magic and Bird put a new interest into it. Yes, marijuana shouldn't be tested and should be legal, but until it is, players have to abide to the rules and regulations set by The Leauge and by the courts.

I think that the NFL was always full of disreputable people. In fact, I'm sure it was far worse in "the good old days."

Look, Goodell isn't being consistent and ya know what? I have no problem with it.

He hands out punishments as he sees fit and takes each situation on a case-by-case basis. IMO, that's how it should be. If two guys both get busted for posession of equal amounts, but one guy has a previous record, then yes, I expect his punishment to be harsher.

Quite simply, Goodell is asking these guys to do the one thing most of us find it very, very easy to do:

OBEY THE LAW.


If they're too stupid to realize that not doing something as simple and easy can cost them thousands, millions or potentially, even their career, then so be it. There's another guy waiting in line to get into the NFL that will be just as good and twice as smart.

I support Goodells efforts and decisions but I've heard the players will try to water down his powers in the next CBA.

I hope that doesnt occur.

As an employer, the I support the NFL's right to "police their own" over & above the mandates of the legal system.

Hell yeah, $287,500 is too much for one days work.