Fansided

The 5 worst decisions Roger Goodell has made as NFL commissioner

By Michael Collins

September 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell walks the sidelines before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
September 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell walks the sidelines before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Spygate – New England Patriots and Bill Belichick

In 2007, the New England Patriots (and more specifically head coach/GM Bill Belichick) were accused of secretly videotaping the defensive signals of the New York Jets, one of the Patriots division rivals.

Belichick was fined the maximum amount of $500,000, and the Patriots organization was fined $250,000 and the loss of their first round 2008 draft pick.

Goodell’s reasoning for the fine and draft pick loss as opposed to a suspension for Belichick? Because he felt fining them and stripping them of a first round draft pick was “more effective” than a suspension for Belichick.

For all his flag-waving about discipline and accountability, Goodell totally missed the mark on this one. The Spygate scandal occurred during the regular season, and had an affect on the games an standings in that season. While fining a multi-million dollar organization and its millionaire coach were probably warranted, the draft pick penalty was ridiculous.

During that time in the Patriots history there were two things that kept the Patriots going and winning – Tom Brady, and Bill Belichick.

Belichick should have been suspended, for at least two games if not more, with no ability to have contact with the team or to help with game planning or making GM decisions during his suspension. It would have at least brought about the possibility of evening things out for the season.

Off-field behavior is important, but when it comes to cheating and integrity within organizations, those should be paramount when it comes to “protecting the shield”.

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