Harsh punishment but NFL gets it right

Now, that’s punishment.

Swift. Uncompromising. Heavy. Message-sending.

Well done.

The punishment, of course, is that meted out by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on the New Orleans Saints yesterday, a wallop of unprecedented proportions, lengthy suspensions, heavy fines, the forfeiture of roster-restoring draft picks in a league that generally lives off them.

Well done.

In case you missed it, the gory details are here; short story is coach gone a year, former defensive co-ordinator gone “indefinitely” with the GM out eight games and another assistant gone for six. Oh, and there’ll be draft picks lost and big old cheques to write to pay fines.

Well done.

Look, the NFL is a game of violence, incredible violence, and everyone who plays the game knows the inherent risks. But to exacerbate those risks by paying out money for knocking opponents either senseless or out of the game is simply wrong: It puts premeditation into a game of lightning-quick reflex and reaction.

And if they have to deliver some harsh punishment as much for the penalty as the deterrent, so be it.

Head coach Sean Payton, who is by all accounts an otherwise decent and honourable, had to bear the brunt of the punishment and I'm fine with that.

It’s tough but, you know what? Coaches are ultimately responsible for all in their charge and it is incomprehensible to me that in the militaristic life that is the NFL, Peyton wasn’t fully aware of what was going on and totally okay with what was going on. If he wasn’t tacitly approving of it, he could have stopped it, there can be no doubt of that. And if he didn’t know? Well, I don’t see that as a possibility, frankly.

Sure, the penalties are a bit Draconian but so what? It’s a first, Goodell has sent an unequivocal message that all will hear.

And that’s the best part of it.

I refuse to believe that this is an isolated event and that this punishment is as much to dissuade others as it is to make the Saints pay for the indiscretion of getting caught.

I am sure – as sure as an outsider can be, that is – that other “bounty” programs existed last year, the year before that and the year before that. They weren’t perhaps as well organized as the New Orleans one but they have existed before.

Now? Now I cannot imagine anyone taking the chance to try something as stupid; the penalties are more harsh than even well-respected NFL scribblers were expecting. Sure, fines and suspensions were coming – a bounty program is exponentially worse than the New England SpyGate and that cost a lot of money and draft picks – but to this end?

Tough measures indeed.

And well worth it.

And well done.

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Oh yeah …

It’ Canadian Music Week now and that’d a good thing.

Burton Cummings is being honoured or somesuch tonight, fittingly, I’d say. Where’s he rank? Or where does the Guess Who? This guy can warble, can’t he? And that was a heckuva band.

(Last time I heard them? Warming up for a reunion show to close the 1999 Pan-Am Games in Winnipeg, standing in the parking lot of the old Winnipeg Arena before covering a basketball game, phone aloft calling home so the people back here could hear)

Anyway …

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Oh yeah …

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THREE POINTERS

Tough times indeed

No, I don’t know what’s going on with Andrea Bargnani but he’s sure not shooting it particularly well, is he?

Had a couple of nice drives – the pump-fake-dunk the other night in New York was impressive, tried to take Noah off the dribble a few times last night – but the shot’s not falling.

I’ll go with Dwane on it and figured it’ll come (there’s quote here in the game story to that effect) and, believe me, Andrea knows he’s kind of sucking lately.

"The injury is fine, the leg is fine … I'm playing really bad offensively."

Don’t imagine it’s a permanent thing.

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More troubling …

Might be the woes of Linas Kleiza, who was 2-for-9 against the Bulls, is 11-for-35 in his last five games, including 2-for-10 from three-point range.

And given the absence of Leandro Barbosa from the second unit, there’s a dearth of scoring there and Kleiza is being given every opportunity to solve it.

He isn’t.

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Just couldn’t go

That’d be Jerryd Bayless, who lasted all of about 90 seconds before his hip locked up and it became apparent that he couldn’t run, let alone function at 100 per cent in an NBA game.

Give him credit for trying – he told me before the game he was a bit stiff but felt not too bad considering the whack he took from Amar’e Stoudemire in New York the night before.

But there’s no room for heroes and shutting him down quickly was the best for everyone concerned.

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More?

A bit.

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Mail? Love some. Don’t have nearly enough and you need to help me out.

Do it here. Thanks.

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Teeeeeee-boooooowww!

In New York?

Oh, don’t you think the media’s going to have some fun with that one?

And don’t you think the Jets are playing with fire by trading for him?

They just gave Mark Sanchez about a kabillion dollars in a contract extension and then they go and trade for a much-loved backup who is going to be a favourite with the fans and after the first three-interception Sunday of Sanchez’s season, and you know that’s coming early in the season, the big old Quarterback Controversy is going to raise its ugly head.

And as a dispassionate observer, I’m all for it.

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Comments

[Andre]

This comment has nothing to do with today’s post – but it does relate to the wisdom of the humble grunt. The company where I work has a series of daily inspirations related to customer service. Today's is “It starts with respect. If you respect the customer as a human being and truly honour their right to be treated fairly and honestly, everything else is much easier.” Who is the sage that is the source of such wisdom? One Doug Smith. Well done good sir, one of your Air Canada rants has gone on to inspire others!

[sam]

Good for the NFL and Roger Goodell. Playing hard and tough is one thing, but to encourage and intentially hurt an opposing player for financial gain just seems wrong on so many levels.
Goodell giving stiff penalties let's the teams and players know there is a code of conduct that needs to be followed.

Anyone know where the HOTH went in the 4th quarter? It seems they disappeared. Missed the energy guy of the bench - Leandro - - - - the HOTH miss you. Hope Bayless recoup's soon. He may have been the difference in the 4th last night. A moral victory for the first 3 quarters, but you can't really hang your hat on that. The Bulls are a pretty impressive team though, with or without Rose inthe line up....

[Moshigh]

I Agree that the NFL got it right by throwing down the big sledge hammer. Wow, now if only the bush league I mean the NHL could sort the league out.

Maybe I shouldnt comment because I dont watch enought NHL hockey, but I did see 2 teams the other day start a big brawl just as puck dropped. I thought it was a commerical or some mens league joke. What a foolish thing to allow fighting in a sports game that is geared for fighting. Ill watch playoff hockey here and there but regular season is a joke.

Well the tankers have finally drew me in with the Raptors. They still need to fight and win some games, but at this point the more chances and a higher draft pick certainly doesnt help.

[Steve]

At the game I felt like it was almost inevitable that lead would not be enough going into the fourth. This years Bulls team has proven repeatedly they have the depth to get the job done with or without their super star (Rose) and that is what is going to make them very hard for anyone to beat in a best of 7 series.

All in all despite the fourth quarter rout a much better effort than the New York game, hopefully we see a better effort on Friday.

[D-Mac Ottawa]

The Raps have shown the same pattern all year. They play 2.5 to 3 good quarters, but lose badly in that quarter to 16 minutes when they lose focus or energy or flow or whatever it is they forget to apply that night. Sometimes they lose it right from the start, then fight back; sometimes it's just after the half, and they give up whatever gains they've managed; often enough, it's at the end – just when they really need everything they've got to finish.
This squad needs no more training in the fine art of losing – I think they've covered every lesson there is to learn this year (and last), even in games where they've managed to get the W. And they're not suddenly going to start learning how to win at this point. For that, they flat out need some talent upgrades – which includes a starting veteran or two who come from winning programs and know how and what it takes to win. (Jamaal has that background, but he's not a starter and doesn't get enough PT to lead by example when the game hits that "winning time" spot.)
Meanwhile, cheers, and keep pounding – go Raps!

[marc in panama]

Hola Doug,

While I am in favor of the NFL disciplining the Saints over this incident, the penalty seems to be quite harsh, and jeopardizes the viability of the Saints organization for years to come. Losing the GM, his main assistant, and the Head coach for a protracted period of time during which there is a draft, negotiating and signing key fee agents, including the franchise saving QB (after Katrina), plus draft picks and boatloads of cash for essentially a "crime" that has occurred in football for decades. This is more of a PR stunt to show the media and fans, not to mention those that have files lawsuits against them, that the NFL is concerned over player safety. Hogwash. If the NFL cared a whit about player safety, contracts would be guaranteed. They are not. In the eyes of the NFL players are interchangeable at any time, and the second you are a step slower, you're gone. Interestingly, the Saints organization has only been punished, and not the players who participated. I understand that Goody-Goody Goodell is in talks with the union about actions against the participating players, actions which the union has said they will fight. If the Players union itself sees nothing wrong with this incident, please tell me again why I should care?

Ciao amigo

[TLI]

Hey Doug -- just a tad surprised you made no mention of the fine fashion in which our London Lightning were able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory last night.
Up by 4 with under a minute to go for the first NBLC championship, they gave up a bucket then turned over the ball TWICE in mere seconds to let the Rainmen score 6 and steal the game.
I'd be devastated if I wasn't so sure that the Lightning will strike back next time out. Maybe they're just trying to bring the final home for the championship win?

[Pipit]

Wow, that's a huge "He's done" judgment call on Arenas. I know the guy is not likable with all the stupid things he did before but judging somebody you don't even know personally is classless and downright indecent. You're better than this, Doug. I just hope Arenas proves you wrong. He won't be like before because of his knee injuries but he is still better than most of the signed NBA role players. Bad call Doug.

Blogger's note: Couldn't play last year, why would anyone in their right mind think he could this year? He's done

Another missed and poor call by a judgmental person who doesn’t know what’s really happening inside. Hope this stops you in unethical judgment of people you don’t really know. Good luck on Gilbert on his 2nd career at Memphis.

Blogger's note: Yawn. Call me when he does something. And speaking of being judgmental of people you don't know ... Pot, see kettle

[Pipit]

Sorry Doug, if I had to believe in something cerebral related to basketball, I would to have go with Lionel Hollins than you. Guess, it’s safe to say that Hollins is in his “right mind” than you in terms of basketball related stuff. I will go with a coach than someone who lurks locker rooms and reports stuff.

Blogger's note: Whatever.

[james]

Burton Cummings has one of the great voices of rock, and the tune you selected is a particular favourite of mine, so thanks for that. Love the line, "did you read the news when the paper landed in your yard"? Now that's nostalgia.
For the first time last night, I thought I detected a level of profound exasperation on Casey's part to just get this season over with; so much work with so little to show for it. It will be interesting to see how they play the Knicks tomorrow.

[Lorie]

Hi Doug!
You saw The Guess Who in Winnipeg? Wow. That's one on my Canadian Musician Bucket List. Along with seeing Great Big Sea in St. John's and them sharing several pints with 'em at a George Street pub after the show. Or seeing Diana Krall perform in a cozy little jazz club one rainy night in Vancouver. While seated with Elvis Costello. Or being at a Blue Rodeo gig in Toronto and then bumping into Jim Cuddy in the alley behind the bar afterwards and both of us being sort of giggly...and. Oh wait. Done that last one. :) But I love The Guess Who. And Burton's voice. Still. So, Cheers. And Go Raps - and, in the words of Burton, Stand Tall.
http://youtu.be/uiIqyF6RnzU

[dKir]

"Head coach Sean Payton, who is by all accounts an otherwise decent and honourable, had to bear the brunt of the punishment and I'm fine with that."

Saints coach Sean Payton was investigated and fined at the start of the 2011 season for illegally obtaining and abusing the prescription narcotic Vicodin from the Saints medical dispensary.

[Phil A]

I am totally against the bounty system that was implemented but I do think the punishments were too harsh. Being financially rewarded for knocking out a player is wrong but I still believe the Saints played within the rules of the game. If you speak to any defensive player in the NFL, they will tell you that they will attempt to hit their opponents as hard as they can so that they can inflict as much pain on them. It's just the nature of the sport.

As for the Raptors, I had a feeling they were going to blow their 4th quarter lead. Like I mentioned before, I remain very optimistic for this team next year. I keep seeing flahses of a team that can compete with the elite teams in the league.

[Stephen]

Let's see. 4 games for taking steriods, 1 year for a 'bounty' program.

Once is outright cheating, one is unethical behaviour.

One results in a shortened career, an early death, and just as many injuries to other players as a bounty system - since the player is juiced up on roids.

The other results in players 'maybe' playing on the other side of the line, and maybe attmepting to injure opponents.

Where are the suspensions for the players involved? Where is the evidence that anything outside the rules of football occurred (in reference to illegal hits, maybe James Harrison thought he was playing for the Saints?). I don't remember one fine being assessed for dirty play on the Saints? Lot's of smoke, no fire?

Besides they were circumventing the salary cap by paying players for performance outside their NFL contract .....

[Lee in Ottawa]

Doug, not to sound sarcastic, where are we today in Colangelo's five year plan?
Will it get better. I can not take too many more disapointing seasons. I have not seen any improvement in the past five years.

Blogger's note: Well, considering the plan to rebuild really didn't take effect until after Bosh left, and notwithstanding the two earlier playoff appearances that led to some promise, I say we're in Year 2 of the plan and I have no problem with seeing how it unfolds before next year

[Andre]

hey doug,

Would the raptors benefit from picking up JJ. hickson from waivers? I think he would fit this team. im surprised BC didnt look into this.

Blogger's note: Since he already went to Portland and the fact they have Bargnani, Johnson, Davis and the impending arrival of Valanciunas and the fact Hickson has been at best average, I'd say not

[doug]

sometimes a situation falls right into one's lap that can be used to get across a few legitimate messages to cover up the real reason for severity of punishment...this is occurring with the NFL "bounty program", Goodell can spin it in many ways, that teams as a organization have to be accountable within that organization (correct), the safety of the players has to be a major concern in this (correct), the integrity of the league needs to be maintained (correct) but the main reason behind these harsh suspensions is to me this, they are a business, that makes large sums of money (all parties involved do from owners,players,coaches,television,etc)), and that this bounty program has to be kiboshed now because the legal implications are huge, they are so large in fact that if these types of bounty programs aren't squashed (as they will be now) the NFL could be open to huge lawsuits and still could be out of this one program alone 9and lawsuits scare any business more then anything) )..so Goodell and the league, and the media will spin the first 3 elements to me as they should be as their legitimate but the main reasons for the severity of the fines (which to me are warranted when you take all the issues into place) is the legal one, it could cash-strap the league.....@Stphen the players aren't being ignored in this, it is a separate issue as Goodell governs the league which he acted on, but the players and NFLPA govern the players so that is a separate issue as they have to agree on impending suspensions for the players and their will be a truck load of them....why the Jets signed Tebow is perplexing, one thing it has effectively done is take away Rex Ryans media space and replaced it with Tebow's, if Tebow wins a game (as he will in all likelihood do) it will make Linsanity look like a blip on the screen...cheers..

[Jack]

So what you're saying is that the Colangelo 5-year plan is to rebuild and not to make the Raptors a powerhouse in 5 years since he took over, even only in their own division? I thought that was the reason why he signed Turkoglu and drafted Bargnani, to complement Bosh. Now you're saying the 5-year plan is supposed to be for rebuilding after Bosh left.
Kinda like the Bush plan on Iraq. The objective changed as soon as something went wrong. But of course, you have to defend it, right?

Blogger's note: I'm saying I didn't hear any braying for the first three years here

[Steve]

Sanctions on the players are coming. As for the penalty for the other individuals being too harsh the reality is they were apparently warned to stop the bounty system and later found by the NFL to have continued with it so tough cheese as far as I am concerned. They had the opportunity to avoid being sanctioned and didn't take it.

[GM]

A dearth of scoring on the second unit since they traded Barbosa? Really? Who woulda thunk it?! At least they got (effectively) nobody back for him. If they didn't give part of the excuse that they wanted to take a better look at Forbes and Bayless, maybe I wouldn't still be fixated on it, but Forbes got 17 minutes last night and 15 the first night post-Barbosa. I know the Raps will win a few more, but it's looking to me like they'll never win again this season. It's ugly. And since I've never been a bottom-line fan who is only satisfied with a championship or close to it, I'm really hoping their head office-inspired tank job fails. If the draft is a bust for them after a tanking season, maybe the fans will let up next time they find themselves in a similar position and realize there are other ways of making a team competitive than by the draft.

"American Woman" might be the greatest Canadian pop song of all time: "I don't your war machines; I don't need your ghetto scenes/ Coloured lights can hypnotize; sparkle someone else's eyes."

[Grant]

Doug: why do you bother posting the comments that amount to little more than saying you are an idiot or a company man - I wouldn't miss them if they were edited out.

Blogger's note: You should see the ones I don't

[doug]

I just read your Nothing But Net piece...I liked it, the bit on Fisher especially, I like the signing by the Thunder as to me they needed a seasoned vet last year, so good signing, plus stats, number crunching what have you, don't and never will take into account a players drive,competitiveness and just how their wired..Fisher is a good example of that, plus the quote from Kobe, just shows what makes him not only great, but a winner that dude just gets it,imagine if Vince was wired as Kobe is...so Del Negro is reportedly in trouble with the Clippers, and they have a top notch PG, that runs the team and are in the western conference which suits another coach...can anyway say Mike D'Antonio??...cheers

[TLI]

"... Blogger's note: You should see the ones I don't..."

Wow -- thanks for 'moderating', Doug. Really.
It's amazing what some folk consider to be legitimate comment.

Maybe you should stop forcing these poor disgruntled souls to visit? Let 'em go, Doug!

[D-Mac Ottawa]

How great will it be to see Derek Fisher win another ring this year? Okay, can we just move the season right along to the playoffs now, please? Thanks. They should great!
Okay, here's my contribution to Canadian Music Week: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-mIHk2rM0Q
Cheers again. Go Raps again.

[Peter]

I'm with D-Mac, I'd love to see Fisher win another ring... especially if the Thunder can be the team that eliminates the Lakers. Can you imagine how Kobe would be burning up inside!