Comments on: NFL wants coaches to not complain about new helmet-use rule

By: dallascowboysdishingthereal

dallascowboysdishingthereal — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:01:59 +0000

It’s not only like that in the NFL. Corporate America is cunducted the exact same way. “Know your role and shut your hole.”

By: k9krap

k9krap — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:28:08 +0000

I’m questioning the vote. In an article yesterday, it was stated that the Redskins were abstaining from all voting that was done. In every article about this particular rule change, it’s been noted that the vote was 31-1, signifying that all teams voted. Did the Redskins not continue their abstinenence from voting when this rule change was brought up for votes?

By: cwwgk

cwwgk — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:18:26 +0000

The NFL is a private enterprise. The First Amendment only prohibits governments from restricting free speech of its citizens. Private businesses, including the NFL, can require employees to refrain from speaking in a negative way about the business. A very common, routine business practice. An employee is an agent of the employer. Their words are considered the words of their employer. Common sense dictates that employees not criticize the company. They are free to do it, just not on behalf of the company itself.

Such a basic principle, but if the NFL does it all of a sudden it supposedly is another example of the league’s tyranny. Please. I don’t agree with everything the league does, but I don’t disagree with everything either.

Virtually all of the owners who voted for the rule change have been making similar decisions for decades. Businesses become obsolete if they don’t evolve. It has been under the stewardship of the current owners that the NFL has exploded into the dominant sports enterprise in the United States. Without a close second. This includes frequently changing the rules. Seems to me, they might know what they are doing.

Yet, the vast majority of commenters here apparently know for certain the league is on the verge of ruin. And that Roger Goodell is the second incarnation of Satan itself. Get over it. The objective evidence soundly repudiates such ignorant claims.

By: mrmidevil

mrmidevil — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 05:09:08 +0000

All of them should complain. What is this? Pansie ball?

By: ilovefoolsball

ilovefoolsball — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 04:11:42 +0000

This sounds very familiar to the rules they placed on Payton after the farce of bounty gate.
“We set the rules, you comply. Don’t like it? Get suspended. It’s because we say so and that is reason enough.”

You’re getting what you deserve for supporting that chump just because you hated a team and its kinda funny.

By: skinsrollyou

skinsrollyou — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 04:03:50 +0000

In related news, Obama does not want American citizens to complain about his poor handling of the country he was regrettably empowered to run.

By: longdrive2011

longdrive2011 — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 02:40:32 +0000

I see almost zero consideration for what the fans think about this and other rule changes. No fans, no concussions; problem solved I guess.

The reality is even with the rule changes there is a reasonable chance that a player will be killed next year in a play that will be penalized. after the damage is done. You can’t prevent an illegal and dangerous hit with a flag.

I will now put my bubble wrap suit on to prevent injury while walking around the house so I can’t type any more – later.

By: jdlikewhoa

jdlikewhoa — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 02:03:08 +0000

Referees can’t even call pass interference consistently.

By: pghdc

pghdc — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 01:57:01 +0000

The NFL network has been in full scale propaganda mode since this decision was made. It was too painful to watch. I had to turn it off. Big Fail! Only a matter of time before the full transition to flag football to is complete.

By: raiddawgz

raiddawgz — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 01:32:48 +0000

Call it what you want, this just gives Goodie another opportunity to tax players after a game. The more rules dished out, the more chances of getting to players funds. Goodell hiding behind player safety to satisfy an alternate agenda…

By: musicman495

musicman495 — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:39:05 +0000

You know, I complained about the kickoff changes a couple of years ago, but the stats regarding injuries on kickoff was inescapable, and the changes cut the injuries dramatically.

Here, Jeff Fisher – not Roger Goodell – says the evidence was overwhelming regarding this use of the helmet, and the support for this in the Competition Committee was unanimous. Maybe we should see how it is implemented before we all assume it will “destroy the game.” Frankly, people have been talking about rule changes “destroying the game” since the 50s and guys like Night Train Lane, and the game is more popular than ever.

By: orivar

orivar — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:09:49 +0000

Time to make a new league guys! Start supporting your local semi-pro football teams /arena leagues. Time for the small guys to take over the big one.

By: hounds64

hounds64 — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:47:01 +0000

Won’t the “open field” component almost eliminate the possibility to call this penalty?

If the RB or WR is in the open field, they are going to the end zone not looking for someone to ram. For example, IMO the T-Rich play did not take place in the “open field”.

I need Pierrera (or somebody) to explain the definition of “open field” to me. Just hope it doesn’t cost my team a game on a largely subjective call!

By: Deb

Deb — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:24:10 +0000

Fans want NFL coaches to speak frankly and honestly about NFL rule changes–preferably before rule changes are adopted. But it seems honest input from the people who play and coach the game isn’t welcome in Goodell’s World.

By: questionableprovenance

questionableprovenance — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:16:23 +0000

This is absolutely no problem. What we will be seeing and hearing in the media is “People close to Coach… are very upset with the new rule.” If you don’t believe me, discuss it with “People close to Tom Brady are very upset with the Patriots for releasing Welker.”

Except for Belichick, of course: he doesn’t have any people close to him.

By: utahgetme2

utahgetme2 — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:07:26 +0000

thetooloftools says:
Mar 20, 2013 6:08 PM
Players are now suing the NFL because of these hits being legal. They brought this on themselves so they really need to shut up.

As frustrating & ridiculous as this rule is to fans & many players, tooloftools’ comment is accurate. Players can’t have it both ways despite their protestations to the contrary. I’ll believe that the players are serious in their belief that this rule is nonsense once they all drop their head-injury legal actions. Until then, they’re just playing to the masses…

By: nicewolf64

nicewolf64 — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:02:45 +0000

how many flags will this add to every game?

By: bigcitysteel

bigcitysteel — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:00:09 +0000

Dont speak your mind on a completely stupid rule or the dictator will see you at the league office for a “productive meeting” and a ridiculous fine to your organization to help line the fatcats pockets….what a joke of a league this is becoming.

By: warhammer420

warhammer420 — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:58:18 +0000

So the NFL is opposed to free speech now?

By: eastofmissball

eastofmissball — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:56:24 +0000

If I see a RB slide feet first before contact, I will be the one complaining as I put my foot through my 55 incher… Roger I have a gut feeling you are going to owe me a new 55 inch Samsung….

By: stillers213

stillers213 — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:52:09 +0000

NFL Rule 1,639,994,853,284-1A: Coaches shall not complain. Any coach found complaining will lose a time out then be given a time out in the corner.

By: njoberg

njoberg — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:46:48 +0000

No wonder Goodell supports our president

By: njoberg

njoberg — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:45:59 +0000

No wonder Goodell supports our prez

By: nomoreseasontix

nomoreseasontix — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:44:13 +0000

Do not anger the great and powerful Oz…

By: sgtr0c

sgtr0c — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:43:39 +0000

I have complained about the refs for close to 40 yrs now. They really do not have to make it any easier for me, I am pretty good at it now.

By: goldrush94

goldrush94 — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:39:44 +0000

Goodell has turned the NFL into a circus. It’s becoming more and more of a joke game.

By: tjrogers09

tjrogers09 — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:36:14 +0000

Of course the NFL doesn’t want the coaches to complain about the rule…What are they supposed to do when the referee has no clue on how to officiate this call this season? Sit there and take it? Another terrible move on Mr Goodells part…I’m still baffled why he made $30 million last year????

By: sbaltimore

sbaltimore — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:35:29 +0000

It just keeps getting better and better, doesn’t it?

I mean…you couldn’t make this stuff up if you tried.

By: kevin7777777

kevin7777777 — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:34:42 +0000

The owners ram rodded this through worried about potential law suits. They must appear to be doing everything in their power to make the game safer. The players, coaches, and fans, seem to hate this rule. The owners will put a gag order on their coaches. It will be interesting to see how it’s actually enforced. I personally don’t like the rule.

By: jetsjetsjetsnow

jetsjetsjetsnow — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:33:55 +0000

Now that we’ve shoved it down your throat, shut up!