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NFL investigation into 'bounties'

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Discussion started by Colin Robinson , on Tuesday, 06 March 2012 14:31

The NFL has launched an investigation into reports that, in recent years, several players have been given bonuses for deliberately injuring opponents. If these claims are proved to be correct, what is the potential for damage to reputation of the sport? And what would be the appropriate course of action for the NFL to take? What course of action should the St Louis Ram's take?

I think Roger Goodell, who’s fought tirelessly for player safety, must make a statement and example of the New Orleans Saints and ex defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Williams' current employers should follow down a similar path.

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Michael Cunnah
Michael Cunnah,
In my opinion the only way that the NFL can emerge from this with their integrity in tact, is to take the position that Roger Goodall has taken i.e. a hard line. The only way for a sport to continue to grow is to ensure that the brand is not tainted by law breakers such as these. The competition itself cannot be in question.

Goodall has provided good and strong leadership on this issue and is clearly a capable leader for this massively commercial sport. Such leadership is not easy, as he will be under intense lobbying from all interested parties - good on him for holding his line. The question is "is he providing a role model for those that run other sports"?
406 days ago
 
Marc Sibbons
Marc Sibbons,
Update: The National Football League (NFL) has rejected the New Orleans Saints’ appeal against the punishments issued to it in the ‘bounty’ scandal, it was revealed on Monday.

General manager Mickey Loomis, The Saints, head coach Sean Payton and assistant coach Joe Vitt, have been notified by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell regarding the decision to uphold the measures imposed for continuing violations of the League's anti-bounty rule.

Hearing upon the news of the bounty enforced by the Saints, Goodell blasted the team’s “wilful disrespect of the rules”. The Saints were found guilty of implementing a bounty programme that offered payments to their players for ‘knock-outs’ and ‘cart-offs’ – plays on which an opposing player was forced to leave the game with an injury.

The Saints were fined US$500,000 and will forfeit their selections in the second round of the 2012 and 2013 NFL drafts. Payton was suspended without pay for the 2012 NFL season, the first time the League had taken such action.

Read the full story here: http://bit.ly/Hvhmh4

Upon reading this new development into the scandal, do you agree with the NFL's decision to reject the Saints' appeal? Should there be an extended punishment handed to the club? Do you consider the matter closed? What affect, if any, has this scandal had on the credibility of the NFL? How do they move on from this?
406 days ago
 
Chris Campasano
Chris Campasano,
This has been an interesting topic. First and foremost, I am not a huge NFL fan, watch a few games a year, playoffs mostly. But these side bets has been happening in the NFL for years. I watched a pretty interesting video on ESPN the other day. It kind of changed my thought process on this:

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7647430&categoryid=2459789
441 days ago
 
Michael Cunnah
Michael Cunnah,
Such behaviour in any sport except boxing (and similar combat sports) is utterly intolerable. The NFL likes to think that it has a high moral code and this will be a significant test. If there is any truth in these stories then action has to be taken. Everyone knows that players will get hurt in contact sports but paying incentives to injure opposing players is organised thuggery. Surely the NFL is better than that?
441 days ago
 
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