Spring Break
Goodell needed to send tougher message to Belichick, Patriots
Mat Boyle
Issue date: 9/28/07 Section: Sports
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Roger Goodell has been praised by his peers for cleaning up the NFL's image.
Goodell made waves during the recent offseason suspending Adam "Pacman" Jones for the entire 2007 season for his off-field antics. Chris Henry and Tank Johnson each got eight-game suspensions for their misconduct. Goodell also faced the challenge of investigations stemming from Michael Vick's recent dog fighting and gambling charges.
That being said, why didn't he drop the hammer and suspend Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots when it was found that his team was illegally filming the New York Jets' defensive signals September 10.
Sure Goodell gave Belichick a $500,000 fine, the biggest fine ever imposed to a coach in the league's 87-year history. Sure he's going to take away their first-round draft pick in the 2008 draft if and when they make the playoffs (second and third round if they don't make the playoffs); however, is that really a detriment to the Patriots team?
First, Belichick makes approximately $4.2 million and I doubt $500,000 is really a huge dent in his pocket. Oh, and he recently received a long-term contract extension that will keep him in New England through at least the 2013 season. The deal was reportedly worth $6-8 million dollars per year. Did I mention it came off the heels of the controversy?
Secondly, the Patriots already have a 2008 first-round draft pick. The pick was acquired last season from the 49ers in exchange for the Patriots 2007 first rounder, which the Niners used to select offensive tackle Joe Staley. The team also has two third-round picks in next year's draft.
Given those circumstances how exactly is that hurting the Pats?
They are already looking like the team to beat in the NFL after their version of the Boston Massacre, a 38-14 drubbing of the San Diego Chargers, a team that was considered by many to be a Super Bowl contender. To be brutally honest, the Chargers looked like a junior varsity squad compared to the Pats.
Goodell made waves during the recent offseason suspending Adam "Pacman" Jones for the entire 2007 season for his off-field antics. Chris Henry and Tank Johnson each got eight-game suspensions for their misconduct. Goodell also faced the challenge of investigations stemming from Michael Vick's recent dog fighting and gambling charges.
That being said, why didn't he drop the hammer and suspend Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots when it was found that his team was illegally filming the New York Jets' defensive signals September 10.
Sure Goodell gave Belichick a $500,000 fine, the biggest fine ever imposed to a coach in the league's 87-year history. Sure he's going to take away their first-round draft pick in the 2008 draft if and when they make the playoffs (second and third round if they don't make the playoffs); however, is that really a detriment to the Patriots team?
First, Belichick makes approximately $4.2 million and I doubt $500,000 is really a huge dent in his pocket. Oh, and he recently received a long-term contract extension that will keep him in New England through at least the 2013 season. The deal was reportedly worth $6-8 million dollars per year. Did I mention it came off the heels of the controversy?
Secondly, the Patriots already have a 2008 first-round draft pick. The pick was acquired last season from the 49ers in exchange for the Patriots 2007 first rounder, which the Niners used to select offensive tackle Joe Staley. The team also has two third-round picks in next year's draft.
Given those circumstances how exactly is that hurting the Pats?
They are already looking like the team to beat in the NFL after their version of the Boston Massacre, a 38-14 drubbing of the San Diego Chargers, a team that was considered by many to be a Super Bowl contender. To be brutally honest, the Chargers looked like a junior varsity squad compared to the Pats.
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