The Ray Rice elevator video tape scandal is another blemish on Roger Goodell’s record. It’s unclear how the ice can get any thinner. Yet Goddell is said to be adamant that he won’t resign, via Washington Post sources.
More from Baltimore Ravens
- Ravens need to give Odell Beckham Jr. a reason not to retire
- NFL Rumors: Ravens additions might not be done after signing Melvin Gordon
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- Is Mark Ingram’s new CFB gig a signal that he’s retired from NFL?
- NFL Power Rankings: Which teams will have the best rushing attacks this season?
With a platform like the NFL, the stakes can’t get any higher. But he says that his job isn’t on the line and that he’ll continue to earn his stripes.
“People expect a lot from the NFL. We accept that. We embrace that. That’s our opportunity to make a difference not just in the NFL, but in society in general. We have that ability. We have that influence. And we have to do that. And every day, that’s what we’re going to strive to do,” Goodell said, via the Washington Post.
What difference does he think he’s making? If anything, he is incriminating himself even further. The NFL is the golden child of American athletics. It’s actions resonate across and reflect upon American culture. Thus, Goodell is all the more responsible for his poor actions. And he is all the more reprehensible.
If anything, he’s calling further for his own demise. He’s saying that he understands the scale of his actions. And as it stands, he’s made a poor example of the NFL’s stance on domestic abuse. Put the two together and he’s worsened the reputation of himself, the NFL and the U.S.A.
The point has been made before, but if you break it down to game punishment, Rice’s original transgression– which warranted a two-game suspension — was only half as bad as Wes Welker’s use of amphetamines — which warranted a four game suspension. And it shouldn’t be that simple, but as far as punishments go — which was the only was the NFL acknowledged both incidents — it was.
With the most recent news from the AP that the NFL received the tape, it looks like the foundation is crumbling. But that news should be irrelevant. As Chris Mortenson said, it didn’t take much investigation to realize what happened in that elevator. The NFL hasn’t done a thing right throughout this whole process. It’s just that its becoming abundantly clear how badly everything was mishandled.
So, yes, Roger Goodell did have a chance to make a difference. His actions could have made a firm stance against domestic violence. Instead, it’s unclear where he stands, which means that he’s standing in the wrong place. And that place could very well lead to his resignation.