Goodell’s Ruling On Bellichick Will Have Ripple Effect

There’s a very interesting article on ESPN.com detailing the fact that Commissioner Roger Goodell’s disciplinary decision relating to the Patriots’ recent videotaping scandal will have rippling effects throughout the league.  Though Goodell’s decision will only immediately affect the Patriots, whether it be via loss of draft picks in the future or by the possible suspension of coach Bill Bellichick for a game or four, the decision will also have an effect on the entire league, as well as the league-wide perception of Goodell himself.  If Goodell comes down like a hammer on the Patriots, then he will be seen as a strict authoratarian, harsh to be sure, but fair and balanced.  If he let’s the Pats slide, then he may be viewed as a player-hater, working for the NFL’s version of the Man.

This is quite the conundrum for Goodell, mostly because this truly isn’t that big of a deal, really.  People all over the NFL steal signs.  If this was anyone but the Patriots, it wouldn’t be headline news.  Unfortunately, it’s the polarizing Bellichick at the center of the controversy, and the most visible team in the NFL as well.  People love to drag their champions through the mud.  Now Goodell is stuck between a rock and a hard place with the situation, and his decision will have repercussions for years to come around the league.

You can get all your New England Patriots tickets at www.stubhub.com.

Permalink - Posted in Uncategorized on September 13, 2007 - Post a comment