Schefter today: growing sense Zeke short suspension **merged**

[Yakuza Rich]

I don't believe the NFL needs to have a conviction to suspend somebody. Roethlisberger was suspended after numerous sexual assault allegations that he was never convicted of. It was pretty obvious that he was doing something that was...at the very least...a horrible representation of the league.

The pandora's box is that girlfriends and wives of NFL players will now know that they do have the NFL believing anything they say. EE's ex-girlfriend had witnesses that defended EE including one of her former friends who said that she was with her when she got into a fight with a random stranger at a bar prior to the incident and said she was going to ruin EE's career.

A nasty secret in our society is that women make false allegations of abuse and even rape far more often than people think in order to get revenge on men. What is a bit stunning about this situation is that the NFL paraded around the Brian Banks story as a martyr that redeemed himself and I don't think they have ever learned from that lesson. Of course, when you have an incompetent dolt like Roger Goodell running things...this is what you get.

*I* had good information from a source that there was a video of Ray Rice knocking out and dragging his fiance at the Atlantic City Casino and yet Goodell couldn't seem to locate that tape or know anything about it. Since Goodell totally botched the Ray Rice situation, now Goodell has to go the opposite direction with future suspensions. Unless that player is Josh Brown because Josh Brown plays for the Giants.

So in the end, that means further enabling women to make false allegations. Banks' false accuser (Wanetta Gibson) never served a day in jail for her false accusation that sent Banks to prison for 13 years. Hopefully, Goodell will see the light.






YR

 

[xwalker]

Question, if NFL and Goodell suspend Zeke, does that open the door, Pandora box so to speak to where NFL will have to suspend other NFL players without conviction in a court of law? Since, Zeke wasn't charged with a criminal offense with his ex girlfriend, then doesn't that open Pandora box so to speak, to where NFL will have to suspend other players that like the Giants wr that goes to parties, supposedly does drugs, etc, but just rumor but no hard evidence, or any other NFL player that comes under certain suspect issues?

Another example, Eli Manning supposedly issue with email, and other info to where Eli has told the Giants equipment manager to doctor up jersey, so could make money off the jersey that Eli didnt wear, etc.? Doesnt that open pandora box to where NFL has to suspend other nfl players without criminal offense but just rumors etc?

Goodell does it all the time. He does not care about the judicial system. He is the judge, jury and executioner.

The league needs to make changes but I doubt it happens.

Don't believe the Zeke stories until you here some local DFW media report them. Some National Media actually have a quota from their bosses that require them to report something significant about the Cowboys on a regular basis.

 

[TheFinisher]

It doesn't open Pandora's box because the people pulling the strings (Mara's/Rooney's) on these subjective issues have a clear MO... they'll enforce their own brand of justice on teams that are in direct competition with them. It allows them to keep the power within the small circle of old-family ownership.

 

[PA Cowboy Fan]

I don't believe the NFL needs to have a conviction to suspend somebody. Roethlisberger was suspended after numerous sexual assault allegations that he was never convicted of. It was pretty obvious that he was doing something that was...at the very least...a horrible representation of the league.

The pandora's box is that girlfriends and wives of NFL players will now know that they do have the NFL believing anything they say. EE's ex-girlfriend had witnesses that defended EE including one of her former friends who said that she was with her when she got into a fight with a random stranger at a bar prior to the incident and said she was going to ruin EE's career.

A nasty secret in our society is that women make false allegations of abuse and even rape far more often than people think in order to get revenge on men. What is a bit stunning about this situation is that the NFL paraded around the Brian Banks story as a martyr that redeemed himself and I don't think they have ever learned from that lesson. Of course, when you have an incompetent dolt like Roger Goodell running things...this is what you get.

*I* had good information from a source that there was a video of Ray Rice knocking out and dragging his fiance at the Atlantic City Casino and yet Goodell couldn't seem to locate that tape or know anything about it. Since Goodell totally botched the Ray Rice situation, now Goodell has to go the opposite direction with future suspensions. Unless that player is Josh Brown because Josh Brown plays for the Giants.

So in the end, that means further enabling women to make false allegations. Banks' false accuser (Wanetta Gibson) never served a day in jail for her false accusation that sent Banks to prison for 13 years. Hopefully, Goodell will see the light.






YR

Well I believe Roethlisberger was guilty too. The evidence was much stronger with him than with Zeke. I agree with your assessment of Goodell. He totally botched the Ray Rice investigation. Don't believe for one minute he didn't see the tape or else he really didn't want to see it. That proves he's a hypocrite. Been trying to win the PR battle ever since. He'll go as far as he wants even if there is no evidence except when it concerns his friend Mara and the NY Giants.

 

[aria]

If they suspend him, then it will be because he actually did something detrimental to the league, IMO.

IOW, if the girl just got mad because he broke up with her and faked the DV... then I see no way there is an actual suspension. There would have to be something else.

Maybe it is the other things he's done this offseason (I don't think it is suspension worthy though)... or maybe there is actually something that wasn't worth charging for the police but the league doesn't like.

If it is as clear cut a case of her trying to set him up as many seem to think (myself included)... then I literally see no way he can be suspended.

So no pandora's box unless they do what I am pretty sure they won't and there is no proof of any wrongdoing whatsoever.

I've said all along that I don't think there will be a suspension... but there could be something I don't know about.

I'm mostly in agreement (for once). For one, we've heard nothing but rumors so no one knows what, if anything, will happen. Secondly, if he does get a suspension I'd assume there's more to it that we don't know about yet.

You also nailed it with the police. The NFL does it's own investigation and what they find may or may not coincide with what the police found. Perhaps the police didn't find enough to charge him with but the NFL find something they didn't like. There are tons of variables, which I hate, but that's the way it is and will be until they change the current system.

 

[Nightman]

When Rothlisberger was accused of rape he ended up getting a 4 game suspension even though he was never charged.
I agree that the Commissioner's power shouldn't be so absolute but the law is on the NFL's side.

Ben admitted guilt about the underage drinking and conduct unbecoming

That fact he wasn't charged was a just a huge miscarriage of justice


GHardy had all his charges dropped and was still suspended 10 games after being forced to sit out 14 games(while paid) the year before.....Goodell had his suspension reduced on appeal to 4 games but didn't care because it made him look tough on DV

Goodell loves to overcharge since RRice and wants the NFLPA and Courts to be the bad guys when they overrule him

 

[aria]

It doesn't open Pandora's box because the people pulling the strings (Mara's/Rooney's) on these subjective issues have a clear MO... they'll enforce their own brand of justice on teams that are in direct competition with them. It allows them to keep the power within the small circle of old-family ownership.

Lol, so now Rooney is in on this? These conspiracy theories used to be annoying because 1) they're nothing but excuses and 2) there's no proof of anything and 3) they make us, as Cowboy fans look ridiculous but now I'm actually starting to enjoy reading them. They just keep getting better and better. Only another year or so and Elvis and the Russians will be against the Cowboys.

 

[Sydla]

Has it occurred to you that it is monumentally ignorant to assume you know what "all evidence" actually is? I don't know all the evidence but I won't let an alleged abuser off the hook just because I ignorantly assume I know everything that happened

Ummm. What?

You, in fact, should consider people innocent and not guilty if you believe you don't have all the facts.

 

[AmericasTeam81]

Goodell totally botched the Ray Rice case and he is about to botch the Zeke case.

 

[Toro9]

Lol, so now Rooney is in on this? These conspiracy theories used to be annoying because 1) they're nothing but excuses and 2) there's no proof of anything and 3) they make us, as Cowboy fans look ridiculous but now I'm actually starting to enjoy reading them. They just keep getting better and better. Only another year or so and Elvis and the Russians will be against the Cowboys.

How dare you, sir?

 

[jobberone]

Lol, so now Rooney is in on this? These conspiracy theories used to be annoying because 1) they're nothing but excuses and 2) there's no proof of anything and 3) they make us, as Cowboy fans look ridiculous but now I'm actually starting to enjoy reading them. They just keep getting better and better. Only another year or so and Elvis and the Russians will be against the Cowboys.

News flash. They already are.

 

[Nightman]

Ummm. What?

You, in fact, should consider people innocent and not guilty if you believe you don't have all the facts.

Especially when the exculpatory evidence is very strong including several eye witnesses and texts from the accuser saying she will lie about him hitting her if he breaks up with her

 

[aria]

I think an entire thread needs to be devoted to conspiracy theories against the Cowboys and how they're the only team that ever gets screwed. That would be gold!

 

[jobberone]

I think an entire thread needs to be devoted to conspiracy theories against the Cowboys and how they're the only team that ever gets screwed. That would be gold!

Well, maybe. Sounds like a nightmare for the staff though.

 

[Nightman]

Ben admitted guilt about the underage drinking and conduct unbecoming

That fact he wasn't charged was a just a huge miscarriage of justice


GHardy had all his charges dropped and was still suspended 10 games after being forced to sit out 14 games(while paid) the year before.....Goodell had his suspension reduced on appeal to 4 games but didn't care because it made him look tough on DV

Goodell loves to overcharge since RRice and wants the NFLPA and Courts to be the bad guys when they overrule him

Goodell said before acting, he interviewed Roethlisberger on April 13, and talked to current and former players and the players' union. He also reviewed information from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Milledgeville police, and talked privately with Georgia district attorney Fred Bright.

In addition, Goodell said he listened to recommendations from the quarterback's representatives and took into account information learned by the NFL office regarding the alleged assault.

"The Personal Conduct Policy makes clear that I may impose discipline 'even where the conduct does not result in conviction of a crime' as, for example, where the conduct 'imposes inherent danger to the safety and well being of another person,' " Goodell stated in his letter to Roethlisberger.

"As the District Attorney concluded, the extensive investigatory record shows that you contributed to the irresponsible consumption of alcohol by purchasing [or facilitating the purchase of] alcoholic beverages for underage college students, at least some of whom were likely already intoxicated. There is no question that the excessive consumption of alcohol that evening put the students and yourself at risk. The Personal Conduct Policy also states that discipline is appropriate for conduct that 'undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL players.' By any measure, your conduct satisfies that standard."

• "I recognize that the allegations in Georgia were disputed and that they did not result in criminal charges being filed against you. My decision today is not based on a finding that you violated Georgia law, or on a conclusion that differs from that of the local prosecutor. That said, you are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans."

• "Your conduct raises sufficient concerns that I believe effective intervention now is the best step for your personal and professional welfare."

• "I believe it is essential that you take full advantage of the resources available to you. My ultimate disposition in this matter will be influenced by the extent to which you do so, what you learn as a result, and a demonstrated commitment to making positive change in your life."

http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5121614

 

[superonyx]

This is nothing new. The CBA says it doesn't have to be a legal issue to suspend a player. It just has to be detrimental to the league. Been that way for a long time now.

The player needs to engage in behaviors detrimental to the league.
What behaviors come with being falsely accused of a crime?
The only conduct detrimental to the league in this case is Goodell spending 2 years investigating a claim the police already said baseless. He should suspend himself.

 

[Hardline]

I said it once Ill say it again. Jerry needs to hire a private investigator and find dirt on Goodell that's detrimental to the league and demand he resign. Flip the tables on him. Who all remembers how Ken Starr became the bad guy during his investigation of "you know who?"

 

[aria]

Well, maybe. Sounds like a nightmare for the staff though.

Could be, I think it's truly comical but there are plenty of others who actually believe it. Almost every thread over a few pages has some reference to a conspiracy or inside screw job. I only comment on about 10% of the ones I see and I don't read every single page. Maybe a separate thread would consolidate it where the believers and non believers can talk it out.

Ya know, like why the Cowboys only run certain plays in practice while outdoors? Because Mara has a satellite focused directly on Oxnard. Don't forget about the NFL's version of the Secret Service that follows Dez everywhere he goes to make sure he's not causing any problems. Oh wait, that's Jerry's personal babysitting crew.

 

[CWR]

I have to agree and disagree. Yes the NFL can do that, but this would absolutely open up the Pandora's box where an accusation(in this case, which was shown to be a lie) equals conduct detrimental and that's ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. It makes it so easy for ANYONE to lay an accusation and the person accused must be suspended. I think that's utter bs.

In fact, Eli touched me and it made me uncomfortable. Boom suspension! Lol good point.

 

[aria]

In fact, Eli touched me and it made me uncomfortable. Boom suspension! Lol good point.

That literally caused me to spit out water. Jerk