#DFG: Canceling the Noise

[DeJesus Built My Hotrod]

This is absolute fucking lunacy.

The National Football League: where you can murder, rape, beat your wife, beat your kids, drive drunk, roid up, trip runners from the sideline, bully your teammates, ostricize your teammates for their sexual orientation, and beat each other senseless until everyone's brains are scrambled and a bunch of you start killing yourself.

But take a little air out of a few footballs?  Ban one of the greatest coaches of all time from the biggest game of the year!

The NFL's priorities are completely fucked.

This is probably not happening though but even if it does, nobody here is done with the NFL, the Pats will not protest and like this stupid, ginned-up controversy, BB not being present on the sidelines will have virtually no impact on the game.

Done with the NFL? Haha hahaha

 

[rodderick]

 
I dunno, they suspended Sean Payton for a year because Williams was offering bounties to his defensive players. I can see them using the logic that Belichick is the coach so he's responsible.

Putting players' health in danger is comparable to deflating footballs? I think the Payton suspension was a joke, but this would be on another level of idiocy.

 

[DJnVa]

 
Your mistake here is thinking that Goodell operates in a fully rational manner.
 
Remember, coaches can't appeal suspensions, unlike players.

 
But if Goodell operates in a self-preservation manner, then he'll remember this: http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/09/ray_rice_video_robert_kraft_patriots_owner_says_roger_goodell_handled_situation_excellently_video.html
 

"The way he's handled this situation himself, coming out with the mea culpa in his statement a couple weeks ago, or ten days ago, and setting a very clear policy how we conduct ourselves in the NFL, I thought was excellent. Anyone who is second guessing that doesn't know him.”
 

 
 
Because next fuck-up Goodell has there will be slightly less full-throated support coming from one of the most powerful owners in the league.
 

 

[Leather]

In reality, the most likely gesture would probably be that they'd wait 3-5 seconds after being announced before they stroll through the tunnel, and don't do the typical whooping that most teams do; just walk sullenly to their sideline.

 

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

Putting players' health in danger is comparable to deflating footballs? I think the Payton suspension was a joke, but this would be on another level of idiocy.

 
Again, I didn't say the two transgressions are on the same level. But this is Goodell we're talking about, rationality has never been part of his decision-making process.

 

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

 
But if Goodell operates in a self-preservation manner, then he'll remember this: http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2014/09/ray_rice_video_robert_kraft_patriots_owner_says_roger_goodell_handled_situation_excellently_video.html
 
 
 
Because next fuck-up if that support isn't there...
 

 
Kraft, to my immense disappointment, has solidly supported Goodell throughout his entire disastrous tenure. It's the one thing I cannot respect Kraft for. It's his massive blind spot.

 

[Corsi]

In reality, the most likely gesture would probably be that they'd wait 3-5 seconds after being announced before they stroll through the tunnel, and don't do the typical whooping that most teams do; just walk sullenly to their sideline.

 
I want them in I CAN'T SQUEEZE shirts

 

[Ed Hillel]

They should show up in streeth clothes waving Katy Perry signs and, when asked, say that they're there for the big concert.

 

[mascho]

 
Kraft, to my immense disappointment, has solidly supported Goodell throughout his entire disastrous tenure. It's the one thing I cannot respect Kraft for. It's his massive blind spot.

 
Come on. It's because Kraft knew this day would come. He's the one pulling the air out of the footballs after all...

 

[Reverend]

 
I dunno, they suspended Sean Payton for a year because Williams was offering bounties to his defensive players. I can see them using the logic that Belichick is the coach so he's responsible.

 
Suspending Payton for a whole off-season, while obviously influencing the progression of the whole season, wouldn't have the more clear and apparent effect of altering the outcome of the Super Bowl the way suspending Belichick less than two weeks before the game would.
 
Suspending Belichick, as others have noted, would be an assault on the league's biggest event.

 

[MarcSullivaFan]

Honestly, I'd prefer to have it be BB suspended for the SB, rather than have it linger indefinitely.

I have no doubt that the coaching staff can adequately prepare the team for one game. And if anything is going to motivate them, it would be this.

Having him out for some extended period next season, and/or losing draft picks would likely be more harmful to the franchise, IMO.

 

[EvilEmpire]

I want them in I CAN'T SQUEEZE shirts

Yeah, because equating any of this nonsense with Garner would be great for all involved. I hope people aren't that stupid.

 

[tims4wins]

 
Suspending Payton for a whole off-season, while obviously influencing the progression of the whole season, wouldn't have the more clear and apparent effect of altering the outcome of the Super Bowl the way suspending Belichick less than two weeks before the game would.
 
Suspending Belichick, as others have noted, would be an assault on the league's biggest event.

 
It would be the classic example of biting off one's nose to spite the face; and is there anything more Goodell than that?

 

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

 
Suspending Payton for a whole off-season, while obviously influencing the progression of the whole season, wouldn't have the more clear and apparent effect of altering the outcome of the Super Bowl the way suspending Belichick less than two weeks before the game would.
 
Suspending Belichick, as others have noted, would be an assault on the league's biggest event.

 
You think Goodell can think that clearly? The only thing he's thinking right now is MUST REACT.

 

[Corsi]

Yeah, because equating any of this nonsense with Garner would be great for all involved. I hope people aren't that stupid.

 
lighten up (by about 2 psi) 

 

[BroodsSexton]

Yeah, because equating any of this nonsense with Garner would be great for all involved. I hope people aren't that stupid.

#PSImatters

 

[theapportioner]

I think even the threat of a player walkout would give Goodell pause. It's worth invoking this possibility even if there is no evidence that the players would actually do that.

 

[EvilEmpire]

lighten up (by about 2 psi)

It really wasn't funny.

 

[mauf]

 
Suspending Payton for a whole off-season, while obviously influencing the progression of the whole season, wouldn't have the more clear and apparent effect of altering the outcome of the Super Bowl the way suspending Belichick less than two weeks before the game would.
 
Suspending Belichick, as others have noted, would be an assault on the league's biggest event.

 
Exactly. I think BB is going to do time for this. If they can prove he knew, he'll probably have to sit a year. But he'll be on the sideline for the big game.

 

[Stitch01]

IMHO Kraft calls in chits to squash this (or squash isn't the right word, but make sure its not blown entirely out of proportion) than he did with Spygate.  Videotape evidence of the team doing something when a memo says "don't do exactly this" right at the start of the new commissioner tenure where the penalty, while steep, is just money and a draft pick one thing.  The psi pressure on the game balls if this really is common gamesmanship  leading to the head coach missing the Super Bowl is a something quite different. I don't think he's going to be down with getting railroaded into an absurd punishment for this without fighting it.

 

[Ed Hillel]

We're now nearly 3 business days in with no substantive comment from the NFL on an investigation that should have taken a day or two.

 

[DaughtersofDougMirabelli]

Patriots winning with a suspended Belichick would be the ultimate FU moment. 

 

[timelysarcasm]

 
I want them in I CAN'T SQUEEZE shirts

 
Yeah! This petty NFL drama is definitely as important as Garner, Ferguson, and black people being killed without consequence by law enforcement. Totally.
 
 

Patriots winning with a suspended Belichick would be the ultimate FU moment. 

 
This would be the only silver lining to a mind-boggling dumb overreaction, should it occur.

 

[ifmanis5]

 
Your mistake here is thinking that Goodell operates in a fully rational manner.
 
Remember, coaches can't appeal suspensions, unlike players.

Great points, that's why this whole thing is absurd. A complete idiot has almost total domain over this decision. Anything and everything is on the table with no ability to appeal.

 

[Silverdude2167]

Patriots winning with a suspended Belichick would be the ultimate FU moment. 

BB is only winning because of Brady!

 

[teddykgb]

This is probably not happening though but even if it does, nobody here is done with the NFL, the Pats will not protest and like this stupid, ginned-up controversy, BB not being present on the sidelines will have virtually no impact on the game.

Done with the NFL? Haha hahaha

 
You're way too strong here.  I don't think the NFL would go from near 100% popularity to 0, but I think a fair number of folks would more or less be done with the NFL.

 

[CaptainLaddie]

 
I want them in I CAN'T SQUEEZE shirts

What the fuck is wrong with you, Jesus.

 

[theapportioner]

I don't understand how one can justify suspending Belichick but not Brady.

 

[Stitch01]

Hush, don't give ROG any ideas

 

[BigJimEd]

We're now nearly 3 business days in with no substantive comment from the NFL on an investigation that should have taken a day or two.

Seriously, I'm beginning to believe those posts comparing then to the WWE.
They like the leaks and the press. Any press is good press.

 

[WayBackVazquez]

We're now nearly 3 business days in with no substantive comment from the NFL on an investigation that should have taken a day or two.

 
Monday was a national holiday.

 

[H78]

If Belichick is suspended for the game I think I'm placing my first ever bet (on anything) and going all in on the Patriots winning.

 

[P'tucket rhymes with...]

Patriots winning with a suspended Belichick would be the ultimate FU moment. 

Goodell might not relish handing BB the trophy Sunday night, but he can't possibly be excited over every Patriot announcing that they "Won it for Bill" during every interview after the game.

 

[lexrageorge]

What's amazing is how Goodell thinks doing something so outrageous actually helps him and his image.  I cannot see it; maybe I'm blind.

 

[singaporesoxfan]

 
Kraft, to my immense disappointment, has solidly supported Goodell throughout his entire disastrous tenure. It's the one thing I cannot respect Kraft for. It's his massive blind spot.

 
If Goodell goes full Goodell in his punishments Kraft has himself to blame.
 
In addition, Kraft and the Patriots historically haven't been good at handling PR issues like this. They were excellent with regards to much more serious issues, most notably the Aaron Hernandez case, but it seems like with cases like Spygate, they feel it's so self-evidently small potatoes that they don't respond to put things in context or otherwise try to tamp down any furor, which allows molehills to be built up into mountains. Tomorrow is media day so we'll see.

 

[DaughtersofDougMirabelli]

You're way too strong here.  I don't think the NFL would go from near 100% popularity to 0, but I think a fair number of folks would more or less be done with the NFL.

 
A fair number of Patriots folks. You think fans of the Jets, Ravens, Colts, Steelers, Broncos, Bills, Dolphins, Giants, or 49ers (just to name a few) would be done with the NFL if they suspended Belichick?
 
They'd fucking love that. 

 

[mascho]

 
A fair number of Patriots folks. You think fans of the Jets, Ravens, Colts, Steelers, Broncos, Bills, Dolphins, Giants, or 49ers (just to name a few) would be done with the NFL if they suspended Belichick?
 
They'd fucking love that. 

 
Yeah, that's a Randy Marsh situation. 

 

[JimBoSox9]

In reality, the most likely gesture would probably be that they'd wait 3-5 seconds after being announced before they stroll through the tunnel, and don't do the typical whooping that most teams do; just walk sullenly to their sideline.

 
I preemptively propose they all run out of the tunnel wearing short-sleeve hoodies over their pads.  Be a bit of a mess on the sidelines, but carpe diem, man.

 

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Maybe this has been mentioned before, but how would a massive punishment square with the league only giving the Vikings Panthers a warning this year when they were caught heating up their balls during a game (which is also a strict violation of league rules)?  What is the substantive difference between heating up a ball to make it easier to throw and letting some air out of a ball to make it easier to throw?
 
Edit: Its a little unclear which team's ball boys were doing this (it seems like it might actually have been the Panthers), but they have it on tape.  So somebody was doing it.

 

[Ed Hillel]

 
Monday was a national holiday.

 
While true, the NFL was answering questions from the office about this Monday morning, right? They should have been able to put a dent into some of that work, especially since the players and coaches were off anyway.

 

[lexrageorge]

 
If Goodell goes full Goodell in his punishments Kraft has himself to blame.
 
In addition, Kraft and the Patriots historically haven't been good at handling PR issues like this. They were excellent with regards to much more serious issues, most notably the Aaron Hernandez case, but it seems like with cases like Spygate, they feel it's so self-evidently small potatoes that they don't respond to put things in context or otherwise try to tamp down any furor, which allows molehills to be built up into mountains. Tomorrow is media day so we'll see.

To be fair to Kraft, it was Matt Walsh, Senator Comcast, and John Tomase that helped blow up Spygate and ensured it lingered well after the fines and draft pick were announced. 

 

[theapportioner]

I think we need to get one of the media hacks to suggest a player walkout. Doing so would completely destroy the SB as an event this year and not even Goodell would risk that.

 

[EL Jeffe]

How quickly will ESPN fire Simmons after his Goodell take-down? And say what you will about Simmons, but you know that take-down will be epic.

 

[Stitch01]

The only thing the Pats would realistically be able to do in protest is boycott media day en masse and pay the fines. They wouldn't be not showing up for the game or walking out or anything like that. 

 

[WayBackVazquez]

 
While true, the NFL was answering questions from the office about this Monday morning, right? They should have been able to put a dent into some of that work, especially since the players and coaches were off anyway.

 
If you just meant days, then you could have just said days.

 

[Salva135]

A lot of people spent a lot of time on this board in the initial wake of the Hernandez investigation, arguing endlessly that it was impossible for him to be involved in a homicide.   And then the news got uglier.   And uglier.   And uglier.   This has the same feel to me.

 

[MarcSullivaFan]

Maybe this has been mentioned before, but how would a massive punishment square with the league only giving the Vikings a warning this year when they were caught heating up their balls during a game (which is also a strict violation of league rules)?  What is the substantive difference between heating up a ball to make it easier to throw and letting some air out of a ball to make it easier to throw?

Not saying this is rational, but I'm sure Spygate will be part of the equation. Most important is whether they were warned recently. If they were warned, we're screwed.

 

[PBDWake]

PSIgate is the most ridiculous sporting experience of my life. I can't believe I'm this close to an ulcer over this.

 

[EdRalphRomero]

Guys.  I love you all.  Truly, madly, deeply. 
 
Take a deep breath. turn off ESPN.  Put on some gloves and go for a walk outside.  
 
Relax.  It's gonna be ok. 

 

[rodderick]

A lot of people spent a lot of time on this board in the initial wake of the Hernandez investigation, arguing endlessly that it was impossible for him to be involved in a homicide.   And then the news got uglier.   And uglier.   And uglier.   This has the same feel to me.

This is the dumbest thing in this thread.