It’s remarkable that Ray Rice’s disgusting actions have been met by equally disgusting inaction my NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, but here we are.
Understandably, the focus all week has been on the second surveillance tape which showed exactly what happened in that Atlantic City elevator between Rice and his then fiance. You’ve seen it repeatedly now, yet each time it’s difficult to watch. A person even having the thought to strike a loved one is inexcusable, and downright vile.
The problem for Goodell is that a second tape shouldn’t have been necessary. Months ago we knew what happened when a first tape emerged showing Janay Palmer unconscious, with the elevator door unable to close because a body was in the way. Goodell could have and should have acted swiftly, suspending Rice indefinitely then, not waiting until earlier this week.
But a second tape did surface, which has shifted the conversation to Goodell’s (perhaps wilful) negligence. Truthful answers are needed for a set of questions — first and foremost, when did he really see the second tape? — and an independent investigation that isn’t really independant at all has been launched. Former FBI director Robert Mueller will lead it, but he’ll be flanked by owners John Mara and Art Rooney II, two members of long-time NFL families.
So it’s likely nothing will come of this, and Goodell won’t get the ousting he deserves. If he did indeed see the second tape in April, as The Associated Press reported yesterday, Goodell stepping down is the only acceptable outcome. This is a man that can seemingly get the deepest dirt on any league issue, at any time. Yet TMZ beat him to a surveillance video?
League sponsors are watching closely, and if they begin to pull precious dollars a crack in ownership support will form. This will shock you, but rich men like money a whole lot.
Another group that’s watching closely and isn’t at all shy about expressing their displeasure with Goodell: players, both current and former. On Twitter yesterday they shared their opinion of the commissioner and what should happen next…
49ers offensive linemen Anthony Davis…
— Anthony N. Davis (@BamDavis_) September 10, 2014
Former Steeleers linebacker James Harrison…
@nflcommish remains adamant he won't resign, source says:"Never." Yea that's what Nixon but then again the CBA gave you more power than him!
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) September 10, 2014
Ok @nflcommish so let's just say you didn't know. So at best it's negligence. What fine/suspension/penalty would you make up for that?
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) September 11, 2014
Former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook…
Being a leader is not a part time job. If Goodell holds the players to a high standard, he should be held to that same high standard!
— Brian Westbrook (@36westbrook) September 10, 2014
Former Saints linebackers Jonathan Vilma, Scott Fujita, and Scott Shanle…
I know firsthand the commissioner will go to great lengths to "gather all evidence" but he purposely did not in this instance. Appalling.
— Jon (@JonVilma51) September 10, 2014
If the commissioner had really asked for the video, he would've made it very public & very clear that the casino refused to give it to him.
— Jon (@JonVilma51) September 10, 2014
The sloppiness is pretty shocking.
— Scott Fujita (@sfujita55) September 10, 2014
And people, this isn't a one-person problem at all. It's a systemic issue dating back many many years.
— Scott Fujita (@sfujita55) September 10, 2014
https://twitter.com/scottshanle/status/509835677928669184
https://twitter.com/scottshanle/status/509836597009731585
Seahawks receiver Doug Baldwin…
Sean Payton was suspended for one year. "Ignorance not an excuse…"
Say no mo
— Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) September 10, 2014
Former Bills linebacker London Fletcher…
@nfl if Roger Goodell won't resign put him on leave of absence pending outside investigation. NFL fans, players, and sponsors deserve that.
— NFL_IRONMAN (@LFletcher59) September 10, 2014
