Cbz40
The Grand Poobah
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Pacman deserves decision
Commentary by DAVID CLIMER • Staff Writer • April 2, 2008
He didn't say "club."
He didn't limit it to "Dallas."
No, Goodell went plural in his reference to NFL teams that have inquired about the timetable for Jones' possible reinstatement.
This is good news for the Titans. It creates the perception that the Cowboys are not the only team with an interest — serious or fleeting — in Jones.
Just as we suspected, there is indeed a secondary market for malcontents.
Goodell didn't identify any teams but you can round up the usual suspects.
Denver is always looking for talented players, regardless of any off-field issues. Rap sheets don't bother Oakland owner Al Davis. Cincinnati remains a halfway house for troubled players.
There are other teams that would take the plunge. The NFL is full of coaches and owners who believe they can reform anybody this side of Hannibal Lecter.
Upping the ante
According to various reports, the Cowboys have balked at the Titans' trade demand of mid-range picks in each of the next two drafts. But if other teams are in the hunt, Dallas might be forced to pay the Titans' asking price.
There is another matter to consider: Pacman has made it clear that Dallas is his dream team, right? After what he has put the Titans organization through, why should he be allowed to pick and choose his next football port-o-call?
Whether it is Dallas or a team to be named later, no deal is going to come together until there is a definitive statement on Jones' NFL future. And the only person who can lift the suspension is the man who imposed it — Goodell.
The commissioner says he will make a decision "prior to training camp." This could stretch out until July, three months after the draft.
This is imprudent action by Goodell. We are approaching the one-year anniversary of Jones' suspension. He already has missed one season. He hasn't cashed an NFL paycheck in a year.
Quit stalling, commish
I'm not defending anything Pacman has done, but it's time for Goodell to reinstate him. One year is long enough.
In the greater scheme of things, the actions of the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick have done more harm to the integrity of the NFL than any of Jones' indiscretions. Pacman may have acted like a fool off the field — and occasionally on the field — but he didn't do anything to cast doubt on how a game was won or lost.
Yet, Goodell handed down his punishment on Spygate in short order, destroyed the evidence and closed the book. He deemed that the entire matter was over, even if it isn't.
Meanwhile, Pacman is left to twist on the stripper's pole.
In fairness to all involved — the Titans, Jones and the misguided teams that covet him — it's high time for the commissioner to reinstate Pacman.
The sooner he does it, the sooner the Titans can get rid of Pacman — once and for all.
dclimer@tennessean.com.
Commentary by DAVID CLIMER • Staff Writer • April 2, 2008
He didn't say "club."
He didn't limit it to "Dallas."
No, Goodell went plural in his reference to NFL teams that have inquired about the timetable for Jones' possible reinstatement.
This is good news for the Titans. It creates the perception that the Cowboys are not the only team with an interest — serious or fleeting — in Jones.
Just as we suspected, there is indeed a secondary market for malcontents.
Goodell didn't identify any teams but you can round up the usual suspects.
Denver is always looking for talented players, regardless of any off-field issues. Rap sheets don't bother Oakland owner Al Davis. Cincinnati remains a halfway house for troubled players.
There are other teams that would take the plunge. The NFL is full of coaches and owners who believe they can reform anybody this side of Hannibal Lecter.
Upping the ante
According to various reports, the Cowboys have balked at the Titans' trade demand of mid-range picks in each of the next two drafts. But if other teams are in the hunt, Dallas might be forced to pay the Titans' asking price.
There is another matter to consider: Pacman has made it clear that Dallas is his dream team, right? After what he has put the Titans organization through, why should he be allowed to pick and choose his next football port-o-call?
Whether it is Dallas or a team to be named later, no deal is going to come together until there is a definitive statement on Jones' NFL future. And the only person who can lift the suspension is the man who imposed it — Goodell.
The commissioner says he will make a decision "prior to training camp." This could stretch out until July, three months after the draft.
This is imprudent action by Goodell. We are approaching the one-year anniversary of Jones' suspension. He already has missed one season. He hasn't cashed an NFL paycheck in a year.
Quit stalling, commish
I'm not defending anything Pacman has done, but it's time for Goodell to reinstate him. One year is long enough.
In the greater scheme of things, the actions of the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick have done more harm to the integrity of the NFL than any of Jones' indiscretions. Pacman may have acted like a fool off the field — and occasionally on the field — but he didn't do anything to cast doubt on how a game was won or lost.
Yet, Goodell handed down his punishment on Spygate in short order, destroyed the evidence and closed the book. He deemed that the entire matter was over, even if it isn't.
Meanwhile, Pacman is left to twist on the stripper's pole.
In fairness to all involved — the Titans, Jones and the misguided teams that covet him — it's high time for the commissioner to reinstate Pacman.
The sooner he does it, the sooner the Titans can get rid of Pacman — once and for all.
dclimer@tennessean.com.
