Happy to Play vs. Responsibility to League

NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, finally made statement that I appreciate. The statement was that Adam “Pacman” Jones needs to understand his RESPONSIBILITY when playing in the NFL. That is a much different statement than what most everyone else has made, which is that Pacman should be HAPPY to play in the NFL.

There are fewer than 1800 players in the NFL. There at approximately 60 million people in the US between the ages of 20 and 35. That means that .003% of the US population plays in the NFL. That is a smaller percentage than doctors, lawyers, CEO, or just about any other profession…outside of another professional sport. Pacman, and every other professional athlete, had to work extremely hard to reach the top of his profession. In addition, the number of professional athletes is a fixed number (unless additional teams are added). But because the vast majority of skill positions in the NFL are Black, they should be happy they can play and make millions. For every Black person in America that is an offensive statement. It is an offensive statement to say that any player, regardless of race, should be happy that they are allowed to play in the NFL. The statement might as well be, “You are a dumb athlete. Be happy you make a good living.” No one says a magna or summa cum laude graduate should be happy when he/she is hired into a prestigious law firm or medical practice, etc. That number is likely the number of NFL draft picks that make an NFL team each year.

Each player in the league has a RESPONSIBILITY to conduct themselves in a manner which represents the league well. This is no different than what is expected from an employee of any organization. Adam “Pacman” Jones should have been happy that he was allowed to CONTINUE to play in the league after numerous legal issues. He should have been gone a long time ago, but every professional athlete should be PROUD he is the best at his given profession.


TheGapMan
TheGapMan@live.com

Pansy League

Troy Polamalu said that the NFL is turning into a pansy league. TheGapMan happens to agree. The number of pass interferences, roughing the passer, and personal fouls indicates the statement is true. I, being a Steelers fan, am frustrated to no end. The NFL was built on tough, hard nosed, smash mouth, snot bubble, and hard hitting action. Hall of Famers Mel Blount, Dick Butkus, and Ronnie Lott would not be allowed on the field today. The league wants “throwback” players with respect to playing through injury and loyalty to teams, but now throwback players like Hines Ward are fined for legal hits. The point of American Football is to pound your opponent until they mentally and/or physically submit. That is how you win games. If you want finesse and speed, watch Futbol.

Please stop the argument that the league is concerned about players’ health. That is like saying Bill Gates is concerned about the health of one of thousands of Microsoft’s employees. Of course you don’t wish harm to any employee or person overall, but the league is not concerned about player health. They are, however, concerned about how a player’s health will impact their finances. I hope this isn’t the case, but if Brady’s injury is career threatening, the Patriots will loses millions over the next several years. Brady is one of the most marketable players in the NFL and one of the most successful on the field. No Brady means no playoffs for New England and one less face-of-the-NFL. So, yes Goodell cares about Brady, but only as he impacts the financial success of the NFL.

You can also stop the argument that players are bigger, stronger, and faster than before. Yes that is the case, but equipment is infinitely better than before. There is a concussion limiting helmet that isn’t mandatory in the league. Rib protectors aren’t required, nor are neck braces. All this equipment would make a player safer, but none are required. As humans develop, so does human technology. So, just strap up and get ready for some football…American Football!!!

TheGapMan@live.com