In an earlier post, Darren mentioned that the commissioner deserved some applause for allowing Sean Payton and company to take in the Saints game from a suite in the Superdome last night. Mark this down as the first time Darren and I disagree. However, I’m sure there will be many more instances going forward.
Commissioner Roger Goodell should not have made any exceptions for last night’s game. Either the offending parties are suspended, or they are not.
This isn’t the first time Goodell has started to cave regarding the Saints unprecedented suspensions. The commissioner previously granted Payton permission to attend Willie Roaf’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and during week 3 allowed Gregg Williams to see his son coach for the Rams in their game against the Seahawks.
This wavering shows how uncertain Goodell is about the axe he dropped on the now 1-4 Saints. Adding to the absurdity of the on-again, off-again suspensions was a tweet from Jay Glazer:
it’s as if Goodell sees how much the suspensions have hurt the Saints and is now saying, “OK. I’ve done enough.”
A suspension is a suspension. If a guy is going to be suspended he should be suspended all the way. Trying to hide Payton from the Saints fans doesn’t really work in 2012, Goodell. Regardless of being shown on the jumbo screen, everyone in that arena knew exactly where Sean Payton was yesterday evening.
I’ve come down hard on the Saints regarding bountygate. I’ve also taken shots at Goodell for waffling a bit. We can add this to the list. For a league (and commish) that is usually decisive, this whole situation is a blemish on an otherwise solid record.
