NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell took unprecedented action against Bengals WR Chris Henry and Titans CB Adam “Pacman” Jones. Henry is suspended 8 games, while Jones is suspended for the entire 2007 season. Jones’ suspension could be shortened if he meets certain conditions set by the NFL.
The most interesting aspect of the suspensions is that Goodell had the express blessing of the NFLPA and players. Typically, players associations cry foul any time the League flexes its muscle. But the vast majority of players who conduct themselves in an appropriate manner have every right to be fed up with peers who repeatedly break the law.
“Just maximize revenue, baby”
Owners know they are competing for entertainment dollars among fans. They recognize that image, both good and bad, impacts revenue. The NFL and other leagues rightfully want to protect their golden images. The public wants its sports heroes appearing in United Way commercials, not with Nelly making it rain. (Of course, these long-running ads will never be the same),
In 1998 New England Patriot owner Robert Kraft, at his wife's urging, took a stand against players with criminal records. The Patriots drafted Nebraska football player Christian Peter who had been arrested multiple times, but cut him before he ever played a down. While many supported this tough stance, it certainly was the exception to the previously unwritten rule that off-the-field legal matters were handled by the judicial system -- especially when a productive player was involved. Three Patriot Super Bowl victories later, perhaps character really does matter. (Peter still enjoyed a long NFL career with another team.)
Roger Goodell understands today's competitive sports marketplace. The image overhaul is right out of the NASCAR playbook (No, not the one that says keep turning left.) NASCAR has sold the public on the total fan experience; devoted fans reward NASCAR teams by buying anything NASCAR-related, from cars to laundry detergent to erectile dysfunction problem solvers.
The perception is the "thug life" translates into lost revenue. And, as we've seen in the Imus controversy, moral order is largely driven by pocketbooks.
Hey, whether money motivated or not, at least the NFL is making some progress on this stuff--if only hockey would follow suit--not that anyone watches it anyway. Interesting that the pot and cocaine use of the 80s NBA has led to it being the model for discipline in pro sports.
Posted by: andy fine | April 14, 2007 at 08:17 PM