So why was Commissioner Roger Goodell adamant regarding the retention of his exclusive control over the league’s personal conduct policy?
It’s because, in my opinion, the conduct policy has more to do with P.R. and less to do with creating a fair, balanced, and consistent system of justice.
Though many people believe that having a big name secures favorable treatment, the opposite is true when it comes to getting in trouble with the NFL. The bigger the name, the more likely a punishment will be imposed, because the misadventures of the most popular players create the greatest embarrassment for the league.
How else can anyone reconcile the fact that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended six games despite never been arrested or charged for sexual assault, and yet Broncos cornerback Perrish Cox continues to practice and play despite facing two years to life based on specific, detailed, and troubling allegations that he raped and impregnated a woman who had passed out at his apartment?
If Roethlisberger had allegedly done what Cox had allegedly done, the lockout wouldn’t have ended. For Roethlisberger.
For more on the issue, check out the opening segment of Thursday’s PFT Live.