NFLPA Responds To Bounty Punishment

Feb 3, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; NFL players association executive director DeMaurice Smith during the NFL players association press conference at the Sheraton in downtown Dallas. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell re-issued suspensions handed down as a result of the bounty scandal despite the ability to hand down suspensions for a pay-to-injure program is well out of Goodell’s jurisdiction as commissioner. Goodell has no authority to hand out suspensions for Bountygate and the courts overruled his initial suspensions. Now, after his latest attempt to gain control and abuse his power, we are back at square one.

With Goodell re-issuing the suspensions, the drama is just beginning. The NFLPA has released a statement regarding the slightly modified suspensions handed down by the commish. The statement read:

"“For more than six months, the NFL has ignored the facts, abused the process outlined in our collective bargaining agreement and failed to produce evidence that the players intended to injure anyone, ever. The only evidence that exists is the League’s gross violation of fair due process, transparency and impartiality during this process. Truth and fairness have been the casualties of the league’s refusal to admit that it might have made a mistake.“We will review this decision thoroughly and review all options to protect our players’ rights with vigilance.”"

Wow, what a mouthful. It’s safe to say that the NFLPA will once again fight these suspensions and take the league to court — and they should. Goodell has abused his power and the NFLPA should explore any possible avenue to get the players what they deserve — the chance to play football in 2012.