>>>>>>>What earthly business does the NFL have enforcing morals clauses?! They just prove again what a corporate, fascist organization they are.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Death to the Fascist insect that preys on the life of the people! <g> (Patty Hearst couldn't have said it better)
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Roger Goodell thinks he is commissioner of the NFL - a serious business involving extremely serious money. His job is to keep the gifted young men - most with incredibly large egos, all with more money than they know how to manage, and many with very questionable character - from doing things that will in any way threaten the big money for everyone else. No golden goose killers allowed.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>If the Rooney's tried to reign in Ben there is a suspension appeals process. If Roger does it, it is appealable only to ... Roger. Don't think he didn't talk to the Rooney's first. And it is said they are shopping Ben for a trade. ( remember Holmes is already gone. Sic gloria transit Superbowl.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Ben is white and a two time Superbowl champion in a "skill" position. Anybody - especially Ben - who didn't see this coming after the Pacman and Vick stuff and Goodell making very clear the standard was going beyond OJ aquittals - is a fool. Ben is a fool. And evidently a boor. But Goodell is not. He's NFL commissioner and good for him.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I don't see where a morals clause is a problem. For $30 million dollar contracts not getting into these kinds of situations really isn't too much to ask, when you make turnpike toll collectors pee in a bottle to keep $12 an hour jobs.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Joe Montana, Steve Young, Mannings, Walter Payton seemed to somehow play the game without needing "adult supervision". The NFL can find great players without catering to the clowns.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>It is hypocritical in the extreme for the commissioner of a game that thrives on violence, that predominantly drafts players with dark pasts, to get so sanctimonious. Making billions of dollars while they do it.
>>>>
>>>>I don't think "thriving on violence" is salient issue in condoning boorish behavior off the field. If Lawrence Taylor puts the QB in the hospital without drawing a flag that is different from putting his wife in the hospital and not getting convicted.
>>>>
>>>>You could also make the case that the NFL represents discipline and playing within the rules - or at least being in control of what you think you can do to flaunt the rules without getting caught. I don't see where playing a violent game means that off-field violence - or in Ben's case just being an a$$hole - has to be tolerated if it is part of the deal for those incredible salaries that you don't do that and further damage the image of the franchise. Why is that too much to ask? 99% of the players seem to handle it quite well.
>>>>
>>>>The whole lure of sports for a lot of parents is the hope that kids - even with "dark pasts" - might make heroes of guys who've learned how to get themselves under control and achieve great things instead of just posture. Guys who play in the NFL are part of an elite selection process a lot tougher than Harvard Medical School. The point is to show nice guys can finish first.
>>>>
>>>>Besides, don't you think football players should be held to a higher standard than parasite classes like politicians? <s>
>>>
>>>One of the greatest myths is that sports build character. They reward those who already have it.
>>>
>>>The NFL is a fascist organization. I can't wait for the World Cup.
>>
>>Like many on the left, i think you really have no idea what the word "fascist" means. (Hint: it doesn't mean "mean people who suck and who I don't like" <bg> )
>>
>>Actually, professional sports rewards a lot of people in spite of rather than because of their character. that is unfortunate and that is exactly what Goodell wants to address.
>>
>>World Cup - isn't that for that kickball game ? ( the one where there is more action - and violence - in the stands and the pubs that on the field... that the commissioner has to suspend whole countries of fans <s> )
>
>I am familiar with your view of soccer, Charles. It's not my fault you don't quite get the nuances of the game ;-)

It try, I really do, but I keep falling asleep <g> (same reason I don't get baseball) Not a good sport for those of use with severe ADD.

But you still haven't addressed the issue of the jackbooted <s> commissioners of futbol suspending an entire nation of fans ( supporters?) from cup competition (giggle). Wasn't it the Brits? That sounds a lot worse than suspending guys who are actually drawing a (big) paycheck from the organization.