Oh To Be A Cleveland Browns’ Fan …..Who’s Laughing ? Shame On You !

I can only surmise that there’s some dark plot going on as the Cleveland Browns’ two quarterbacks , Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn , systematically fight it out, to see who’ll become the team’s starter. That being said the Browns’ travails as of late haven’t been all that empirical. Their long suffering fans have had , their ups and downs. More downs, than ups, one would dare to say , over the last decade. But such are the vagaries when it comes to the National Football League .

Defensive end Robaire Smith(left) of the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions Daunte Culpepper leave the field after their preseason game in Cleveland, Oh. The Browns would defeat the Lions 27-10 in the game. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mark Duncan ...................

And with coach Eric Mangini , now set to take over the reins after his less than auspicious tenure with the New York Jets . One can only hope that Mangini will be bringing more to the table than he did with the Jets. Their meltdown under his presence with future Hall of Famer, Brett Favre served notice to many. That Mangini as a coach , still has a great deal to learn . Even if his was a Bill Belichick disciple to begin with.

Cleveland Browns' coach Eric Mangini watches from the sidelines as his team succumbs to the Detroit Lions. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mark Duncan .........

And for a team that as of late, has been a complete anathema as to its inadequacies on both sides of the ball. There’s the feeling that the franchise will labor this upcoming season , no matter whether or obstacles are placed in-front of them. The absurdity of it all isn’t so much that it has been management where the problems really lay. But it really has been the personnel decisions made over the years by the franchise’s then GM, Phil Savage . Who has since been replaced by George Kokinis .That being said Kokinis, as Savage’s successor will now have to prove himself up to the task as to that of his predecessor. Not a great deal to ask you might think. But when one considers the woes of the franchise and their anemic play. You can only but wish the best for them .

Browns' running back James Davis scampers on for an 81 yard touchdown run against the Detroit Lions. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mark Duncan ................

In spite of this all you can only hope that Mangini , apart from saying all of the right things. Can actually show some real intrinsic coaching talent , rather than still basking off the achievements made under his mentor , Bill Belichick. Granted, Mangini ironically takes over from another Belichick disciple in Romeo Crennel . A great coordinator , but to my mind he was never really NFL coaching material to begin with ! Far too laid back and something of a somnambulist . Inspiring confidence in his players wasn’t something that Crennel was born with , much less being able to communicate with them to begin with. That being said you’ve got to understand that these are the Cleveland Browns that we’re talking about. Much like the Detroit Lions ,their relevance within the NFL hasn’t been one, where we can opine as to the greatness of the franchise. Because those years, are indeed from a bygone age.

Browns' quarterback Derek Anderson (3) looks for a receiver of his intended pass against the Lions in their preseason game played at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland , Ohio. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Matt Sullivan ............

Looking at the Browns’ roster, one can attest to the fact that on the face it. The roster is made up of solid veterans and a number of draftees that they’re no doubt pinning their hopes on to show their worth. But in terms of leadership it’ll have to come from either Anderson or Quinn. That being said both players in terms of their presence and play has showed that they’re also lacking on that front. And it certainly hasn’t helped that with the impending loss of Donte’ Stallworth , due to his legal problems . One doesn’t hold out much hope that this team’ll have anything by way of an offensive presence.And defensively the team has its problems there too . Run defense and against the pass , the Browns are very much like The Titanic. The moment it started it to take on water , you just knew that the vessel was doomed for disaster. It’s been the sheer ineptitude shown by the players and the coaching staff , that has led this franchise to its present predicament.

And perhaps no one personified this more, than another of the team’s wide receivers in Braylon Edwards. His dropped passes were too numerous to mention and a bane to the Browns’ fans in attendance. But it’s been his constant bickering and not wanting to be held accountable for his lack of performance or actions, that if anything, has come to embody what this team has been about. It’s been their lack of discipline and leadership that if anything personifies how inept this team really is.

The feeling may well be that with the infusion of young players via the draft. We may well begin to see some changes in the identity of this team. But much of that’ll be predicated upon the coaching prowess of Mangini and his staff. Never-mind, the fact that within AFC North , they’ll face the likes of the Baltimore Ravens , Cincinnati Bengals and the reigning Superbowl champions , the Pittsburgh Steelers Though one wouldn’t view the division as one of the more glamorous around the league. It’s been often thought of as the meat and potatoes grind , in terms of its quality. But then football and beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that counts at the end of the day are the results. And nothing would suggest that better than winning. Which is something that the Cleveland Browns have been hard pressed to do.

As I’d alluded to earlier it’s hoped that their younger recruits can contribute to the fortunes of the franchise considerably. And with the likes of Josh Cribbs , Chris Jennings ,Brian Robiskie and a slew of other young players that could very well be ready to acquit themselves well. One can only but hope that Mangini can harness that talent and communicate to them what will be required of them as players. If the coaching staff isn’t able to do that. Then there’s little hope of seeing the Cleveland Browns have a modicum success on the field of play.

Lions' running back Jamal Lewis carves his way through the Lions' defense for a score. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Amy Sancetta ...................

As dark as the Browns’ travails have been. This once storied franchise having fallen upon hard times , can but only hope that the worst is indeed behind them. Their long suffering fans have seen the carpet pulled from beneath them in the guise of Art Modell and his notorious antics. That being , said with present owner , Randy Lerner , trying to do his best to rejuvenate the fans and bring back some semblance of respect and decency to this proud city. These, are now some testing times for that of the Browns’ ownership , that of its fans and players alike. Whatever success that can be attained will first have to be garnered on the field of play. It may well be only incremental but it’s got to be better than what they’ve had to put up with over the past five years or more.

The NFL and its legacy is great when its storied franchises are at the top of their game. No one really likes to see franchises such as the Cleveland Browns down on their luck. Even when it’s said, to be of their own making. But then again , some might prefer it to be that way. Rather than having their own team lodged in the abyss of mediocrity. What say you on the matter ?

Are We Not Human Do We Not Bleed ? We Do Have Emotions As Well …..

Off late I’m of the opinion that the law as it stands is an ass. Especially when it comes to its dealing with celebrities and athletes. Now I’m not prepared to use race as an aspect of making a case for any perceived argument at all.

Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane speaks after his arraignment in Buffalo City Court in Buffalo New York. Kane is accused of beating up a cab driver over a fare dispute. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ David Duprey ....................

But as of late , I’ve come to the conclusion that unless the district attorneys, who handle many of the legal issues that they’re confronted with. Do so with more zealousness and show the public that they mean business. Then the public will continue to have little faith in the legal system of this country.

Plaxico Burress seen here leaving the Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday having agreed to a two year sentence on a weapon's charge. Apart from the two year sentence the player will also have to undergo two years of supervised probation in accordance with his plea agreement. Had he gone to trial and been found guilty. He'd have face anywhere between 5 1/2 to 15 years as mandated by the state of New York. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Seth Wenig ........................

I say this merely not only because I now work alongside members of the legal profession. Though I’m not involved in the field of criminal law. My field, is within the corporate law and that of fiance and international banking. However, the legal firm that I am employed by ,is a full service law firm, that’s nationally recognized and has offices, here in North America . As well as in Latin America, Europe and the Far East.

With all that has happened as of late within the NFL and NHL , concerning a number of athletes. I’m of the opinion that the hierarchy of all of the four major professional sports’ governing bodies have to be firm when it comes to dealing with their members and their apparent legal transgressions. I know that the case has to be made “….innocent until proven guilty.” But at what expense to the integrity of the very sport that the fans and members of the public seemingly take an interest in ?

Pepperdine University law professor and ESPN legal analyst Roger Cossack . picture appears courtesy of epsn.go.com/archives @ copyrighted material All rights reserved .............

Last night whilst briefly watching an item on ESPN . Where an interview was taking place with respected former criminal attorney Roger Cossack . Who also happens to be the network’s legal analyst . Cossack had the temerity to suggest that the two year sentence given to former New York Giants’ player, Plaxico Burress was ‘too harsh and that jail should be for violent felons ‘ Somehow , the absurdity of Cossack’s statement was far too bewildering for me comprehend. So I can only surmise either that Cossack didn’t equate that Burress’ crime was at all serious.

Plaxico Burress went into a nightclub , having crossed state lines with an unlicensed and concealed weapon. Wherein, he not only endangered himself but the patrons of the club who were in attendance. If Cossack can’t comprehend that, then he ought no to be involved in the legal profession at all. And as a tenured professor , teaching law and the media at Pepperdine University , I’d like to think that he’s offering his students much more insight as to the legal profession. Rather than offering an opinion that’s not worth the paper it’s written on , or being vocal with it, to begin with.

Courtesy of Yahoo Sports and the Associated Press:

Blackhawks’ Kane pleads not guilty in Buffalo

By John Wawrow AP Sports Writer

Buffalo,NY-(AP) After reiterating his innocence following a brief court appearance ,Chicago Blackhawks’ star forward Patrick Kane became emotional as he walked to his lawyer’s office Thursday.

Flanked by his parents, Patrick Sr. and Donna Kane and attorney Paul Cambria , Kane became teary-eyed as a reporter asked about the emotional toll he’s under facing misdemeanor assault, theft and harassment charges that he and his cousin beat up a cab driver over a fare.

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Now far be it for me to suggest, that it’s not just the legal profession and ruling bodies of the four major sports that ought to be held accountable. But I do also feel that the athletes themselves , also have to held to a certain standard, as to their conduct. They are continually in the public eye, even when away from the field of play.What they choose to do, behind closed doors , beyond public scrutiny, is their own business. But once it takes place within the public domain then it’s completely another matter. And therein lies the dilemma that faces MLB , NBA , NHL and NFL . When it is appropriate for them to take action against a player who runs afoul of the law ? Are they overstepping their boundaries when they seek to suspend a player prior to due legal process takes its course ? Or are they in-fact acting in good faith when they seek to impart their own action in the form of a suspension ?

DeMaurice Smith Executive Director of the NFLPA. Smith who assumed the position after the death of his predecessor Gene Upshaw. He was elected to the position by the board members of the Players' Association. Smith was a corporate litigation attorney for the DC law firm Patton Boggs. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Phillip Mitchell .............................

As we all know of late , the National Football League has faced its own PR nightmare . From the Burress affair , to Donte’ Stallworth’s trial , to the recent release of Michael Vick from a federal prison , for his involvement in the criminal enterprise of dog-fighting and illegal gambling. And while much has been made of their acts of contrition. There is the belief , that the players in question are merely saying all of the right things in order to seek the public’s empathy and forgiveness. Make of it what you will. One can either choose to take them at their word or you can choose to think that they’re just as I’d alluded to they’re saying all of the right thing for their own reasons.

With the impending collective bargaining agreement about to rescinded and opted out of by the NFL at the end of the 2010-11 season. The NFLPA and their Executive Director DeMaurice Smith feels emboldened with regard to the arbitrary actions of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell . The commissioner feels that is indeed his duty, to uphold the integrity of the game and the perceived image that the fans and public sees. And while no can deny that Smith may well have a case as to questioning Goodell’s seemingly use as to his judgement when meting out punishment. That he feels appropriate, when the players have ran afoul the league’s conduct policy and that of the law.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell . The commissioner faces a great deal of contention as to his arbitrary authority concerning the suspensions of NFL players when it comes to the league's conduct policy. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Noah Rogers ....................

Smith seeks to go in, perhaps with both guns blazing, as he seeks to usurp some of Goodell’s powers, when it comes to this specific issue , concerning his members. That being said, Smith has done nothing to suggest that he’s overly concerned by the conduct of his members.
He’s yet to make a public statement concerning either Donte’ Stallworth’s actions or that of Plaxico Burress. The only public statement he has actually made concerns the return of Vick to the NFL arena. And the mere fact that he’s happy to welcome player back into the NFL fold.

On appearance that may well seem somewhat disingenuous on Smith’s part. But the Players’ Association has never been known to act with any real responsibility as to its image. It’d appear that its greatest concern is that of, the amount of money it seemingly appears to be in conflict with the NFL over , concerning the revenues gleaned as to their overall operations. Something that Smith has in common with his predecessor , Gene Upshaw .

Whatever may well take place when the two sides meet. There is in-fact a good case to be made by either side. Goodell, has to show more transparency as to his dealings with these issues. And at the same time we have to see Smith, himself , become more proactive when incidents such as this arise concerning his members , the players. It makes no sense for him to continue to remain silent on many of these matters. On appearance alone, it suggests that he in-fact condones the conduct of the players. And Goodell for his part , ought to be moving towards the setting up of a panel that encompasses either an impartial board of intermediaries that in effect rules over the findings after player’s misconduct. Or possibly a board that seats current and former players. With there being legal counsel , to assist in any legal matters that arise. It shouldn’t as such, be left to Goodell alone to be judge and jury when it comes to meting out punishment to the players arbitrarily.

As it is , it often appears that the commissioner picks and chooses the battles he seeks to win and at the same time keep his own image in-tact . Albeit, that he feels that he’s doing this all for the greater good , in terms of the game’s image and its integrity. But as we all know this may well be only a means to an end as to the renegotiating of the collective bargaining agreement. The concerns that the fans may well have in all of this won’t be of any concern to the NFL or the union counterpart. If anything it’ll be more about the image of both parties and who comes out on top at the end of the day.

And if you think this concerns only the NFL. Then think again, as the three other major professional sports and their governing bodies have the very same problem.

The Other Shoe Dropped And It’s Not All That Big It’s Merely Perception ………….

The Other Shoe Just Dropped And It’s Not All That Big It’s Merely The Perception

The MLB All Star Game of 2008 and in particular the Home Run Derby made a hero out of Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers . His problems have been well chronicled from his chronic alcohol and drug abuse . Hamilton, for all of his virtue, as a gifted player, who can hit with power, made what he says was an error in judgement.When he was caught in a local bar with several young females and strippers. Now bear this in mind , Hamilton is said to be a happily married man with a young family.

Josh Hamilton lets loose in the 2008 Home Run Derby at the Yankee Stadium in New York. The player though did not win the tournament , excited the crowd with his repertoire of explosive hitting , scoring 28 home runs in the opening round of the competition. picture appears courtesy of getty images / Mike Segar .........................

Now it begs the question after having undergone sobriety , wherein, the Rangers assisted the player by placing him in treatment for his substance abuse problems. I can only ask of the player , what the hell was he thinking ? Did it not occur to him that by putting himself in such a position, where he’d become vulnerable, to possibly resuming his drinking and the use of drugs, it would do him irreparable damage ?

Josh Hamilton at play with some females at a bar in Arizona . pictures appears courtesty of tmz.com copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ...............

It is this sort of notoriety and idiocy shown by today’s athletes that clearly indicates to us all that they obviously feel that ,they’re above the laws of the land.

Hamilton with his wife and children riding in a parade prior to the 2008 All Star game held in New York at Yankee Stadium. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Paul McMillan .........

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Hamilton by his own admission acted stupidly and irrationally. But once again who’s really to blame here ? Clearly it’s the player and once again no amount of apologies, either to the public or his family will negate or add any veracity to his act of contrition. He seeks the public’s empathy for his action , much as in the same way that Michael Vick and Donte’ Stallworth did for their asinine acts . We’re told that we ought to be a forgiving society ? Well I say, enough is enough ! It has to stop ! These are grown individuals and not children. Are we meant to treat them as such ?

Hamilton in a cap, is seen here in full swing, taking part in the festivities at a bar in Phoenix , Arizona . picture appears courtesy of tmz.com copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ..............

And for all of the apologists out there , who seek to absolve the likes of Vick , Stallworth and now Hamilton. Can we have some common sense , as to trying to making an argument here ? It is becoming asinine to suggest that these athletes are actually learning anything at all from their mistakes ! ith each and every action they seek the public’s empathy and we’re to believe that for all sense and purpose this action won’t at all be repeated again ? I know that Roger Goodell allegedly, has Vick and Stallworth on a tight leash. No pun intended , concerning Vick ! But it’s apparent that if you’re going to act like a child instead of behaving and acting responsibly. Then screw it , then you ought to be treated like a damn infant ! Prissy athletes who over indulge and continue to act like an ass ! Is there anything else that I’ve left out ?

Hamilton at a bar in Phoenix Arizona alongside some unknown females . The player allegedly having overcome alcohol and drug abuse fell off the sobriety wagon. He's since apologized to the Rangers' organization as well to the fans and above all to his family for his misdeeds. picture appears courtesy of tmz.com copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ......................

We Entertain And That’s All We’re Meant To Do Right ?

I’ve the utmost respect for ESPN’s Michael Smith as a journalist. He’s one of the few credible ones within the organization, that has some semblance of common sense and intelligence. However , with that in mind I found his pandering to the disgraced NFL player Donte’ Stallworth , somewhat misguided and self serving. Rather than conducting an interview that ought to have given us some insight into the player’s mindset as to the events leading up to this tragic accident.

Journalist Michael Smith of ESPN. The writer and reporter is a contributor on the station's magazine program E:60 as well as a featured contributor to the station's own magazine ESPN The Magazine. picture appeaers courtesy of espn.go.com / Richard Shaffer ...................

The interview as it was conducted seemingly , was more about seeking empathy for the player, who by his own admission made an error in judgement. To my mind it wasn’t an error in judgement. It was a personal choice made by a player who thought that he could circumvent the law by getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming an untold amount of alcohol and smoking some marijuana as well. If that doesn’t spell idiocy and to top it all a genuine contempt of the laws within the state of Florida . It clearly smacks of what we’ve all seen from a number of athletes who place themselves above the law. And who then seek the public’s sympathy as to their plight.This was made all the more easier , with which this interview by Smith who clearly obfuscated his responsibilities as not only a journalist but also a reporter. I suppose that once again this is the crasness we’ve come to expect from the sycophants there in Bristol, Connecticut !

When asked if he felt that the jail sentence given to him in the vehicular manslaughter of 59 year old, Mario Reyes, was appropriate. Stallworth’s response, in no uncertain terms tried to mitigate the fact bytrying to state that there were underlying circumstances that the legal system thought was fitting pertaining to his sentence. Be that as it may, Stallworth should consider himself considerably lucky . But much of the blame here, lies with the sheer ineptitude shown by the legal system within Miami Dade County . To merely sentence Stallworth to just 24 days in jail from a sentence of 30 days. I know that Stallworth has lost his driver’s license and also that he’ll be placed on 8 year’s probation along with two year’s community service. Clearly the scales of justice aren’t the same for you or I and those of the celebrity status. Money it appears can countermand everything ! And it certainly on appearance , makes a mockery of the so called justice system that this country so prides itself on.

Coming full circle with regard to Smith’s pampering of Stalworth and the interview conducted. As I’d stated, I felt that Smith didn’t serve his profession or that of his employer well with the public gleaned . If anything it clearly shows how out of touch ESPN as an allged sport’s broadcast unit has become. And that’s not merely on from a journalism standpoint but also from a formative news sandpoint as well. You’ve only got to witness the lengths that they’ll now go to in order to allegedly serve us up with a news sound byte.While I bear Stallworth no malice, I do feel that the player clearly doesn’t truly appreciate the ramification of his actions. Albeit, that he’s suspended indefinitely by Commissioner Goodell . The belief is that the player may well miss the whole of the upcoming season. Whether or not that’s enough of a punishment for the player as it’s viewed by some , it remains to be seen. The biggest concern I however feel, is that, the mere fact , that the player harbors an ambition to resume his career speaks to the fact that there are those of us who feel that that Stallworth shouldn’t be allowed to return to the game anytime soon.

OK , so Stallworth settled a civil suit with the victim’s family with monetary settlement that hasn’t been disclosed to the public. And whatever that price may well be. In no way will it compensate for the loss of a life. In this case a father, a husband, a provider and above all a human being. The loss of life while dear, it is sometimes treated by others as if it’s nothing more than a chattel that can be easily overcome. And that is despite the emotional trauma that’s often created. It appear that the outrage here isn’t as loud when measured against that of the misdeeds of Michael Vick . But then again all Vick decided to do , was to punish a few dogs in his own asinine way. Lie to the fans, his employers , his teammates and to federal law enforcement officials. And for those actions and the player spent two years in jail . And we can now forgive the player for those transgressions ? Make of it what you will.

For ESPN and its organization as a whole. It’d appear that they’re not necessarily going about reporting the news but merely being front and center , with regard to being part of it. I was under the impression that a news organization was meant to be about gathering news information and reporting it without seemingly any impartiality. ESPN , nowadays seemingly wants to be an integral part of being in the midst of a news story without showing any veracity as to how it gathers its news items for public presentation and consumption.

Smith’s interview with Stallworth was conducted on the ESPN magazine show E:60 . The scheduled pogramming of the show is on ESPN 7:00 pm EST each Tuesday evening.

NB…. In order to watch this interview in part just click on the text shown below.

Michael Smith’s interview with Donte’ Stallworth …

Problems You Think You’ve Got Problems ?

Well let the fun and games begin. NFL teams are already in training camp. And there’s a great deal that’s being speculated over. Where’ll Michael Vick end up ? And how’ll Tony Romo survive without the former love of his life , Jessica Simpson ? Now don’t get me wrong , I’m not about to assail these two problematic quarterbacks who’ve struggled to show their maturity , let alone leadership qualities within the NFL .

Vick seen here speaks at a press conference having just entered his plea of guilty in a federal dogfighting charge. Having served his sentence the player having been re-instated by the NFL now looks for a team to acquire him as a free agent. It's been rumored that the Seattle Seahawks are said to be interested in the player. But no formal announcement has been made by the organization. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ George Herbert ..........................

But in reality I look at this way. You’re only as good as your last game. And for Vick his last game in the NFL wasn’t all that enlightening or entrhalling. But yet we’re to believe that his return to the NFL , will be almost like the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Cowboys' quarterback Tony Romo seen here at the team's training facility in San Antonio , Tx,. It'll be up to the player to prove his effectiveness and leadership skills if the Cowboys are at all to prevail in the NFL this upcoming season. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Eric Gray ..............

As to Romo and his problems. Let’s just say that the signs pointing to the fact that he could be the savior that the Dallas Cowboys were said to be looking for . Exaggeration or aberration, which was more likely ?When one considers that the Cowboys haven’t won a playoff game in over a decade. It ought not to be cause for concern at all. The hype over America’s Team is merely like that of Simpson’s career. One great big bag of jokes that are self explanatory. You’ve got a coach whose greatest claim to fame is that his name is Wade Phillips , son of Bum Phillips . That should be explanation enough , don’t you think ?

Moreover, you’ve an owner in Jerry Jones , who’s now about as able to assess footballing talent. As Elizabeth Taylor has been , in her choice of husbands. And we all know how that has been for the Oscar winner over the last three decades , don’t we ? Suffice to say that Liz’s choices have been about as adept as Jones’ have been over the last decade.

Well the ensuing problems of former New York Giants’ star Plaxico Burress seem to be going along unabated. While I have the utomost respect for the legal community. I’ve now got to question the mindset of Burress’ lawyer , Benjamin Brafman . Having given his testimony in front of grand jury. Brafman had the temerity to suggest that there were mitigating circumstances with regard to his client’s disposition and the fact that he was in possession of a gun inside a night club where hard liquor was being served. Unless Brafman is fully cognescant of the law. He seems to forget that Burress was in the possession of a weapon that was unlicensed within the state of New York. And the fact that he brought the weapon across state lines meant that his client had already committed at least one felony , amongst others.

Plaxico Burress seen here leaving the Manhattan Courthouse after giving testimony to the grand jury for illegal gun possession . picture appears courtesy of nytimes.com/ Michael Appleton ...........................

Furthermore , Brafman’s belief that New York District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau spoke out of turn when making the statement that Burress ought to serve jail time the criminal charges he was facing. It doesn’t speak well of the fact that Brafman seeks preferential treatment for his client and the belief Burress has paid a price for his misdeeds. I was under the impression that the law was meant to be impartial and blind to prejudices and preferential treatment ? But then again isn’t that how many athletes now see themselves ? Above the law ?

Burress and his lawyer Benjamin Brafman seen here leaving the Manhattan State Supreme Court , New York after a hearing in March. picture appears courtesy of reuters / Lucas Jackson ............................

It’s at times likes this I’d prefer to see the justice meted out , as it’s done in the Middle and Far East. It is far more of a deterrent than what we’re led to believe than the so called impartial judicial system , here in the United States. You steal from someone, you’ll most definitely lose an appendage. You lie and you’ll have your toungue cut out. But hear the sound of money tends to lighten the appearance of justice being served and its apparent impartiality.

SI article :

Burress gambles on testimony in hopes of avoiding prison

By Michael McCann of Sports Illustrated

Plaxico Burress hopes an unusual legal strategy will keep him out of prison. On Wednesday , the former New York Giants’ star testified before a Manhattan grand jury on the charges he faces for criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. The charges , which carry a minimum three-and-half-year sentence, stem from Burress accidentally shooting himself in Manhattan’s Latin Quarter Club , last November. Burress’ counsel, Benjamin Brafman and prosecutors have reportedly been unable to strike a plea deal, with Burress willing to serve one year behind bars and prosecutors demanding two. For a 31-year old wide receiver the difference between one and two years in prison could be worth millions of dollars.

The unusual nature of Burress’ strategy derives from the dynamics of the grand jury proceeding and his decision to testify in it. In New York, as elsewhere , a grand jury is completely secret with the defense counsel barred from participating. Under New York law , a defendant enjoys the right to testify but the grand jury proceeding has no judge and is instead run entirely by the prosecutor. As a result the prosecutor determines how to apply the rules of evidence , which questions to ask of the testifying party and other facets of the proceeding . cont’d …………….

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So now we await to see how the justice system will deal with another wayward player who once again feels that they can flout the law. But then looks to the mercy of his peers to absolve them of all responsibiilty for their sheer utter stupidity. And we’re meant to look to individual such as this and admire them , merely because they possess a physical ability to , run, jump and play better than the average individual. We’ve seen the justice system at work with Donte’ Stallworth . And there it wasn’t something that one could admire at all !

Let’s hope that this time around the law and its tenets will prevail , rather than it being subverted for the benefit of others. In this case , a rich spoilt and narcissistic athlete !

Goodell Made the Right Decision

As NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has repeatedly said that playing in the NFL is a privilege. When players go out and break the law, they have relinquished that privilege for some time period, however short or long it may be. When Browns WR Donte’ Stallworth got drunk, drove his car and killed pedestrian Mario Reyes, a 59-year-old construction worker, Stallworth effectively ended his 2009 season.

Stallworth, who has had no previous run-ins with the law, handled this situation as well as he could, which is why he was sentenced to just 30 days in jail, as well as two years of house arrest. But Goodell had a tough decision to make, because the public was clearly miffed at the legal process. Most believed that Stallworth got off easy, and so Goodell had to take matters into his own hands.

As a result, the commissioner suspended Stallworth indefinitely, with a decision on just how many games likely to be made in the coming months.  This was the right call by Goodell. Had he decided to let Stallworth off easy with, let’s say a four-game suspension, people would have thought 0nce again Stallworth was getting off easy.

Ever since becoming commissioner in 2006, Goodell’s top priority has been cleaning up the league’s perception when it came to arrests. More than any other sport, the NFL deals with arrests frequently. The charges and allegations have ranged from domestic violence to murder. He implemented a new Personal Conduct Policy, which has allowed him to quickly suspend players who have broken the law. The biggest and best example of this is Pacman Jones, who was supsended for a year without even being convicted of a crime. What Jones had, however, was numerous run-ins with the law, but all they ever amounted to was a date in court that led to no jail time. But Jones had to be punished for frequently getting into trouble.

Credibility: Something That The NFL Has Now Got To Be In Search Of

Well now that the OTA’s (organized team activities) have started for a number of teams around the NFL . All that warms the ardor of the most avid NFL fan comes to the fore. With that also comes too, the belief that for many a fan their team will no doubt do great in the upcoming season. The preseason notwithstanding , isn’t really viewed as a pointer how teams’ll fare. It just gives the NFL a rationale for adding to their coffers. And a chance for the coaches to assess the talent on their rosters. Albeit that we’ll have the usual cacaphone of noise coming from afar as to who’ll be amongst the contenders for the Superbowl.  

NFL logo on appearance it gives credibility to the game. But for all sense and purpose from the PR standpoint things aren't looking all that well for the game for a number of reasons.

And with that in mind it has to be said that the offseason has brought with it a great deal of unrest for the hierarchy of the sport. It can’t have gone without anyone’s notice what has taken place with the Cleveland Browns’ Donte’ Stallworth and the former New York Giants’ wide receiver Plaxico Burress. And needless to say that the impending unretirement of Brett Favre still remains what many believe to a worthwhile news’ story. Newsworthy or not for a certain sport’s cable outlet it has taken on a life of its own and has become the grease that spins the wheel as to their NFL coverage. Less we forget that there’s still the ongoing saga of Michael Vick.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks with the media during a press conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center , Miami , Florida in February 2007. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Scott Halleran .........

For league Comissioner Roger Goodell this season will be tempered by the fact that he faces perhaps what will be his most difficult task since his tenureship began. The uncertainty of the economy as it now stands and the very fact that the collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players’ Associtation (NFLPA)will be contentious. In part because the newly elected head DeMaurice Smith has let it be known that he’s not completely satisfied with the way the revenues are divided between the NFL and the players.

NFLPA Executive Head DeMaurice Smith seen here at the law offices of DC law firm Patton Boggs . Smith was a senior partner at the firm where he specialized in labor law. The firm is also an active lobbyist in D.C. for a number major Fortune 500 corporations. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Carl Norman ........

In reality however this issue (revenue sharing) pales into comparison as to the perception the public now has of the players. Very little if anything has been done to persuade them that the league has its image and that of the game as its utmost priority. And the inaction shown by Goodell with regard to Stallworth gives rise to that very fact. One can understand his stance in wanting to let the legal aspects of the case be properly dealt with from the outset. But given the fact that Stallworth’s actions in the death of victim Mario Reyes were inexcusable to begin with. The question I ask is why no course of action was taken by the league originally to begin with?