NFLPA Coddling Pacman

If you haven’t heard, the NFLPA has suddenly reversed its previous stand on Pacman Jones’ suspension and is supporting his appeal for suspension. The organization cites the ban as being “clearly excessive and much greater than discipline imposed upon other players for the same or similar incidents,” according to a letter sent to Roger Goodell on May 23.

While the union tends to support players when issues like this arise, this decision is decidedly different. After all, it wasn’t long ago that NFLPA head Gene Upshaw stood beside Goodell and informed the world that he would back any disciplinary actions that were handed down. The hypocrisy of the moment is a bit too easy to spot with this one, and we can only wonder what Sayers is thinking with this one.

Pacman Jones deserved what he got, I want that to be clear. Anybody who thinks otherwise has serious issues with morality and the conduct that should be expected of somebody who represents something bigger than themselves. Do you hear Chris Henry complaining about 8 games? No, you don’t, because he knows he deserves what he got. What about Tank Johnson? He hasn’t even been punished, but he’s saying loud and clear that he deserves anything that the commissioner slaps him with. Yes, both of the players mentioned were actually charged and sentenced to serious crimes, but neither has been arrested ten times in two years. Neither has been accused of paralyzing a security guard. Neither has been shady about what is going on in their lives. Neither has proven themselves to be the biggest posterboy for the bad boys of the NFL.

No, what they both have been is men. They’ve stood up and accepted what has happened. They haven’t asked for Upshaw or anybody else to coddle them while they fight the system. They’re taking their medicine and accepting the fact that it will only help make them stronger.

Yes, what the NFLPA is doing is wrong. As already said, it’s hypocritical. Goodell is letting the players know that he won’t take any improper behavior, and that includes being in places that may jeopardize the face of the league. The Players Association is telling the players not to worry, keep doing what you’re doing. If you get in trouble, we’ll back you up. What a great message.