Goodell Grows Some ... Allegedly

Last week, when news outlets reported that Adam "Pacman" Jones was in an altercation with a member of his four-person security team, I waited for our true football guys at PHSports to tackle the story. However, one was busy with his future in-laws, another had relatives in town and the other was at a law conference. We all have lives, and I do too sometimes. When I found the time on Saturday, I wrote this scathing piece which questioned whether NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's ability to make decisions based on what is right.

That said, I also waited for Goodell to arrive at a decision. When I first saw the report, I was upset. When I read about Cowboys Owner/GM Jerry Jones deeming any punishment "ridiculous", I was infuriated by his pomposity and arrogance. When I read the never-before-seen version of the English language manifested in a police report which had Jerry Jones's inconspicuous imprints all over it, I had exceeded the previous levels of infuriation. However, when word struck about alcohol being involved in the incident, it was an absolute no-brainer that Goodell that a decision was imminent and that it would be punitive. In the end, I give Goodell a small measure of credit for his decision to indefinitely suspend Jones; however, like I said, it was a no-brainer and I think it's imprudent to praise a leader for making the obvious decision one week later than he should have.

Roger Goodell Has No Spine

There are a few truths that we hold to be self-evident.

• The Detroit Lions is the worst franchise in the NFL
• Unless handed a no-brainer pick, the Sonics/Thunder will draft a project power forward/center
• The Cubs will always disappoint
• Tom Brady is one good looking dude
• The voice of DJ Khaled should be added to the Geneva Conventions' interpretation of what consistutes torture

Here's another one: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has no spine.

Yeah, I went there. Many feel strongly that Adam "Pacman" Jones should not have been reinstated for his repeated indiscretions and would not have been reinstated unless he played for the NFL's most marketable franchise, the Dallas Cowboys. Meanwhile, not only has Jones been reinstated since becoming a member of the Dallas Cowboys, he is back in the news this week for getting into a fight with the team-issued bodyguard. Not surprisingly, Mr. Win At All Costs himself, Jerry Jones, has come out already and stated that the other Jones will not be suspended by the team. Ironically enough, or not so much at all, #1 cornerback Terrence Newman had surgery to repair a tear in his groin muscle and will be out for approximately a month. To date, there has been no suspension from the Commissioner's office for a player who was granted reinstatement on the assumption that no funny business would be tolerated. I wonder what Odell Thurman thinks about that.

While I understand that the Commissioner's office has to do its due diligence in any investigation of wrongdoing, it has acted swiftly in other matters that involved franchises of lesser stature (see the Cincinnati Bengals). Need I mention Spygate and which franchise was involved? Some have argued that the stripping of New England's first-round pick was an enormous penalty and that Goodell could not have taken away the 7th pick New England held which they acquired via trade from San Francisco for the rights to Joe Staley. My response ... he's the Commissioner and he can take away whatever he wishes. If he wishes.

At the end of the day, it's easy to come down hard on franchises that have more arrests than wins. It's a low risk, high reward situation for Goodell. When he came down hard on recidivists like Odell Thurman or Chris Henry, he was applauded by many for rooting out the bad behavior that his predecessor addressed with less purported ferocity.

In the case of the Commissioner addressing indiscretions coming from "America's Team" or the only team to win three Super Bowls this decade, it has to be considered high risk and medium (at best) reward. By coming down hard on the league's most valuable franchises, Goodell would be biting the proverbial hand that feeds him. Unfortunately, in the case of Roger Goodell, biting the hand that feeds him precedes doing what is right and what is consistent with his mission of improving player conduct in the NFL.

For those reasons, Roger Goodell is spineless and fits in pretty well with his political equivalents in Washington. What Goodell needs to do is to shape up and make decisions based on what is right for the league rather than making inconsistent judgments based on the ideals of self preservation.

Fantasy Football: Position Battles Emerge

This article has more bite than Mike Vick-sanctioned dog fight.
Ouch. Is it too soon for that joke?
TheSportsGuys.com

Just as training camp starts to heat up to its boiling point, plenty of news has begun flooding the wires of the National Football League.

Don’t worry, we’re not talking about dog fighting or making it rain either.

Whether its Vince Young throwing punches in practice, Pete Kendall heading a possible offensive guard revolt in New York, Joey Harrington assuming the reigns in Hotlanta, or the hamstring of TO and Randy “flaring up” as training camp officially kicks off…there’s plenty to talk about.

And yes, that includes debate emanating in the realm of fantasy football.

Front and center are several position battles. As Sports Illustrated pointed out last season, there’s battles at nearly every position on every team. Whether it’s the 2nd/3rd QB, 4th/5th wideout, or the last CB to make the team…the majority of these battles, no matter what the scope, affect the fantasy football market.

While some of these competitions/battles are more obvious than others, here are a few that have sparked my interest more than a little…

1) New York Giants
Situation: Starting RB position
Brandon Jacobs vs. Reuben Droughns
-With Tiki gone, the Giants appear, at least to me, as the clear-cut weakest team in the NFC East. Even New Yorkers would have to admit they have more questions to answer than even last year’s squad faced. Fortunately for the G-Men, as many as 9 wins might win that division this season. While Eli might be getting the most press as of late (not to mention the recent ongoing Strahan-contract debacle), replacing Barber will be downright brutal this season for Tom Coughlin and company. Bruising back Brandon Jacobs showed signs of life last year, although his goal line prowess is heavily overrated (just ask any former Tiki-fantasy owner). Outside of an impressive performance against the Jets last season, Droughns floundered in his sophomore campaign with the Browns. While both are big backs with nice footwork, neither seems to be an adequate replacement. Honestly, neither seems a sure-fire starter in the NFL as of now. While both will be intriguing to take a look at as a #3 back, there’s no reason either of these guys should be starting every week for you. Not early on in the season, at least.

2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Situation: Starting QB position
Jeff Garcia vs. Chris Simms
-While Garcia may be 37, his spleen is a lot more intact than Simms’. Yet, it’s hard for me to believe that Phil’s son is not going to have multiple chances to wrestle the job back from the wily vet Garcia. Unless the Bucs can resurrect themselves into a playoff contender within the first few weeks of the season, this QB situation could be downright sticky from beginning to end. Then again, QBs like John Kitna have proven they can maintain their job even if their team can’t stop losing them (in all fairness, Kitna’s Lions didn’t lose because of him most weeks). While both of them may find some friendly matchups here and there, each of these guys could end up splitting eight starts a piece. That is a fantasy no-no.

3) Minnesota Vikings
Situation: Starting RB position
Chester Taylor vs. Adrian Peterson
-While I love Peterson’s upside, I still questioned the draft selection by the Vikins. Taylor is still a young running back, especially since last year was his first full-year as a starter, and the Vikings already had an established running attack. Then again, with 2nd-year man Tavaris Jackson at the helm, a two-headed RB system may be the best-case scenario compliment to a highly inexperienced and unproven signal caller. While Peterson will have plenty of flash to offer, Taylor should still see enough touches to merit being a consistent fantasy starter. What will be vital to track, at least early on in the season, is the involvement of either guy on passing-downs and specific situations. Don’t reach on Peterson though. Only an injury to Taylor, a situation more accustomed to Peterson, should merit Peterson being considered a top 2/3 back on your squad.

4) Oakland Raiders
Situation: Starting QB position
Daunte Culpepper vs. Josh McCown vs. JaMarcus Russell
-JaMarcus might not be pulling a Phillip Rivers by holding out (and losing his chance to win the starting job Day One); he certainly isn’t helping his case for starting early-on in his first season. Then again, considering its Oakland, maybe that’s the best thing for him. On another note, kudos to the Raiders for taking a flier on both Culpepper and McCown. While Daunte may, in fact, be done, the contract he signed was relatively cheap and there may still be some talent in his legs and arm. The porous Raider-line and the inability of Jerry Porter to be stable may be too much to overcome though. While Russell may easily step in by Week 7 or 8, assuming a contract is eventually worked out in the coming weeks, don’t feel like you can’t take a peak at Daunte or even McCown on your draft board. If either happens to slip enough, they might be a viable last-second risk worth taking…assuming you already have the position locked up with at least one reliable starter.

5) Carolina Panthers
Situation: Starting RB position
DeShaun Foster vs. DeAngelo Williams
-Remember this situation last year? I thought so. DeShaun struggles with consistency and DeAngelo didn’t do his best job staying on the field, mainly due to poor health. Not surprisingly, you could switch each of the runner’s names in the previous statement. Not much should change this season either. While Williams has much more upside, Foster should be the safer pick. However, you might be better off completely avoiding this potential platoon as much as you can. At least it won’t be as painful week in and week out as Denver’s though.

6) Green Bay Packers
Situation: Starting RB position
Vernand Morency vs. Brandon Jackson
-Just when the whispers of LJ to Lambeau started to ignite once again, it seemed the Packers really aren’t prepared to bring in any sort of marquee, or even over-the-hill, free agent this off-season. Morency had plenty of chances last year, and apparently did just enough to come into camp as the #1 guy. Then again, who else was going to take the reigns from him? Jackson, a relatively unknown rookie, has the speed and zip that a lot of coaches enjoy. But is he really a starting running back in the NFL? Unlikely. While the two of them should split carries, even combined the two don’t make 1 viable fantasy option.

7) Tennessee Titans
Situation: Starting RB position
Chris Henry vs. LenDale White
-LenDale has been given every opportunity to succeed in Tennessee. Unfortunately, his attitude and his waistline seem to always hold him back from doing that. While some speculated that the Titans reached for Henry when they did in the draft, he may be one of the late fantasy fliers who pays off in the later stretches of the season. While he may not excel, at least according to scouts, at any one thing, Henry, at least to me, appears worthy of a late round flier and plenty of patience on your bench early on in the season. As for White, just hope he can put down the cheeseburgers and maybe build up some football muscle.

8) New England Patriots
Situation: #4 wideout
Troy Brown vs. Rece Caldwell vs. Jabar Gaffney
-Sometimes, especially during the thralls of bye weeks, you have to make brutally tough decisions. With Moss/Stallworth/Welker the likely top three in New England, don’t ever fall into the trap of believe Moss can be on his best behavior or that Stallworth could get injured in colder weather. [Okay, maybe that’s just optimistic thinking from a Jet fan.] With that being said, it does seem a little tough to try and start a potential #4 wideout most weeks. Yet, is it so preposterous when you consider it’s the Pats and a potential pass-happy offense (are we all officially sold on Maroney that much?) and plenty of talent still lingers on the Pats bench? In a TD-friendly league scoring system, check out Caldwell well before his other two counterparts to be a last-second free agent fill-in. Then again, if INTs help, Brown is always a wild-card.

9) Jacksonville Jaguars
Situation: #1 & #2 wideout
Ernest Wilford vs. Reggie Williams vs. Matt Jones
-I’m not going to ramble here, for once. Avoid this situation completely. Don’t be the guy who believes this is the season you can start Matt Jones, or his two fellow Jag wideouts, week in and week out. Please, don’t be that guy.

10) Kansas City Chiefs
Situation: Starting QB
Damon Huard vs. Brodie Croyle
-Huard seemed to lead the Chiefs into the playoffs, until Trent Green bunked everything up. Then again, were the Chiefs all that sold on Huard? While Croyle is far from the carved-in-granite future franchise quarterback in KC, the Chiefs very well might struggle, with either guy in at QB early on, this season in the AFC West. If they stumble out of the gates at all, I believe the Chief front office will want to lose with Croyle more than with Huard as their starting QB.

While there are plenty more position battles to debate, I’ll leave those for another time.

Although, I must mention, at least briefly, a few key names to keep a sharp eye on: David Carr, Tatum Bell, Leon Washington, Jerious Norwood, Vincent Jackson, and DJ Hackett.

I’m sure you all are hard at work, magazines in hand likely, trying your best to decipher issues like Stephen Jackson vs. LJ at #2, TO vs. Ocho Cinco, Gonzo vs. Gates, and plenty more. However, don’t forget how much decisions rooted in battles just as these often decide fantasy championships.

That and owning LT, of course.

Until next time…

What's in a (nick) name???

Most of us never had the luxury of having a nickname during our sporting days. Whether that included pee-wee, youth league, AAU, high school, or even collegiate athletic participation, the closest we got to a nickname was being screamed at by our last name by the coaches.

Nobody was likely to be called “Babe”, “Shoeless”, “Sweetness”, “Air”, “Pudge”, “The Splendid Splinter”, “The Great One”, “Magic”, or even “He Hate Me” on or off the field during their playing days.

There might have been some expletives shouted at us, but it just wasn’t the same as an incredibly cool nickname.

Ask your typical sports fan, young or old, and a few of their favorite nicknames most likely include (and yes, I know I will miss more than a few memorable ones):

“Broadway” Joe Namath
Deion “Primetime” Sanders aka “Neon” Deion
“The Mailman” Karl Malone
“Pistol” Pete Maravich
Joe DiMaggio, “The Yankee Clipper”
Willie Mays, “The Say Hey Kid”
“The Iron Horse” Lou Gehrig
William “The Refrigerator” Perry
“Iron” Mike Tyson
“Mr. October” Reggie Jackson
Jerome “The Bus” Bettis
Darryl “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins
Robert “Tractor” Traylor
Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield
Andre “Bad Moon” Rison
Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini
Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon
Fred McGriff , “The Crime Dog”
“Thunder” Dan Majerle
Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns
“Sugar” Ray Leonard
Ed “Too Tall” Jones
“Super” Mario Lemieux
“The Nigerian Nightmare” Christian Okoye
“The Answer” Allen Iverson
“The Human Highlight Film” Dominique Wilkins
Michael “Air” Jordan

The list goes on and on and on. And on.

Yet, there are some that stick out, at least to me, even more.

So, without further adieu, here are my top ten sporting nicknames (and yes, I’ll limit it to current athletes) going today…

10) Frank “The Big Hurt” Thomas
-While he isn’t the dominant MVP-caliber player he was during the mid-90s, he will always be remembered for his intimidating physical appearance and amazing plate discipline which allowed him to be one of the most feared hitters in all of baseball.

9) Carnell “Cadillac” Williams
-If you’re going to be a bruising running back, it never hurts to be named after an American classic automobile. Earning this nickname early on in college, even with a talented guy like Ronnie Brown splitting your carries, definitely earns my respect.

8) Orlando Hernandez aka “El Duque”
-One of the more memorable Yankee pitchers during their recent run of dominance, Orlando came from Cuba, age-issues and all, and brought along both personality and a Juan Marichal-reminiscent leg-kick. The MVP of the 1999 ALCS, El Duque passed “The Rocket” Roger Clemens for coolest pitching nickname for a Yankee…barely.

7) James “Lights Out” Toney
-Once the dominant middleweight fighter on the scene in the mid-90s, at least before being knocked out senseless by one Roy Jones Jr., Toney’s nickname has left him more popular as of late (rather than his heavyweight career). While boxing often lends to the most violent nicknames (aka “The Executioner” Bernard Hopkins), Toney’s still racks up #1 on my boxing nicknames list.

6) Gary Payton aka “The Glove”
-You already understand the nickname, that is if you know anything about Gary Payton or the game of basketball. A guy who wants to be a defensive specialist, and a trash-talker, has to eat up this nickname from the start.

5) Steve Francis aka “Stevie Franchise”
-A fan-favorite before he stepped out on an NBA court, I love how this nickname now means more of him being labeled as a “Franchise Killer”. Nevertheless, the four-time All-Star, at least back in the day once earned this nickname, in a positive light.

4) Rafer “Skip to my Lou” Alston
-Wikipedia describes it best: His nickname Skip To My Lou stemmed from his tendency to skip while dribbling the ball upcourt. He played in several prominent streetball tournaments including the Entertainer's Basketball Classic, the North American street basketball tour, the AND1 Mixtape Tour, and the ESPN TV show, Street Ball. It is said that, during a streetball tournament at the legendary Rucker Park in Harlem, Alston once performed what most would regard as an impossible move: during a fastbreak, he supposedly glided in the paint for a layup attempt but made a change of plans in the air as he rolled the ball down his right arm, across his shoulder and down his left arm to a trailing player for a finishing dunk.

3) Tom “Flash” Gordon
-Based on the famed comic book character, Flash Gordon works so ridiculously well for a hard-throwing reliever. No lengthy explanation is needed; quite frankly, it just sounds right for him. Smart and effective always performs well in my book. [At least in my book of Top Ten Lists]

2) Gilbert Arenas aka “Hibachi/Agent Zero”
-All a part of “Gilbertology”, these nicknames, perhaps self-imposed more than any others throughout this entire post, are all part of the world of Washington Wizard Gilbert Arenas. One of a kind, to say the least, Arenas epitomizes the modern-day eccentric athlete. Whether playing online poker at halftime, showering before a game in uniform, donating dollars upon dollars to charity, dispensing game jerseys to fans, throwing himself a million-dollar birthday party, or trying to one-up every former coach from USA basketball, Arenas is one-of-a-kind. Agent Zero must overcome all the obstacles the world throws at him; whereas Hibachi is just something Gilbert loves to yell out when he’s hot. We’re all along for the ride with this guy. And I’m loving just about every minute of it.

1) Adam “Pacman” Jones aka “The Rainman”
-First off, the Pacman nickname is cool enough as it is. [Thanks ProFootballTalk for putting it out there and ESPN Radio’s Doug Gotlieb for bringing it to the 4-letter network.] In fact, he goes as P. Jones on his NFL jersey, and most people don’t even know his first name (Adam). Gobbling up interceptions and making big hits allows him to have the best CB nicknames since one Deion Sanders. However, it’s the Rainman nickname (spouted off from a certain Lil’ Wayne-driven chorus in a song) that has gained recent acclaim. After his off-the-field antics in Vegas during All-Star Weekend (for the NBA, no less), the Rainman (and his record setting suspension) easily dominate the top of this list.

And the award for top “alias” goes to…
Mike Vick aka “Ron Mexico”
-All I will say is that soon he may be known as “Pitbull”.

Comment a few of your favorites if you’d like.

Especially if I missed some of the current ones that are simply too good, or goofy, to be true.
Until next time…

Goodell Suspends Jones for season, Henry for 8 games

On Tuesday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the stiff suspension imposed upon Adam “Pacman” Jones (entire 2007 season) and Chris Henry (eight games). In his statement, Goodell emphasized, “It is a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right. These players and all members of our league have to make the right choices and decisions in their conduct on a consistent basis."

The PHSports contributors sound off on topics such as professional athletes serving as [unintended] role models, the image ramifications of poor behavior by NFL players, as well as comments on the disciplinary measures taken by the league office.

Pacman: Forbidden to "Make It Rain" for 2007 season

Photo courtesy: www.cantstopbleeding.com

Armin
As a youngster, I was the biggest Charles Barkley fan I knew. I loved his hustle on the court, and his humor off it. I was a homer in the truest sense. Nothing Barkley could do was wrong. Then came his, "I am not a role model" commercial, and as much as I struggled with my homerism, I knew deep in my heart that something wasn't right with that statement. I concluded that Charles was only half-right in the commercial. Parents should be role models, like he said. However, professional athletes don't have a choice. They are role models whether they like it or not.

The NFL is slowly becoming a haven for criminals. Of course, this is unfair to the majority of the NFL players who lead decent, non-criminal lives. However, one can see how the image of the league can be tainted by the few. These are the people that young athletes look up to. What kind of lesson are we teaching them if we continuously let these thugs get away without punishment, and let them continue to play a game that, at the professional level, is a privilege and not a right. This is why I stand and applaud Roger Goodell for handing down hefty suspensions to Adam "Pacman" Jones (full season) and Chris Henry (8 games). Goodell has thrown down the gauntlet. While Pete Rozelle fostered the success of the NFL and Paul Tagliabue cultivated it into a powerhouse among professional sports, Roger Goodell could very well be known as the man that cleaned the image of the league, making it the envy of professional sports.


Clement
In regard to the suspensions handed out by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, eight games for Bengals wideout Chris Henry and an entire season for Adam "Pacman" Jones of the Titans, for their ridiculous barrage of off-field incidents (and relative carelessness at the actual crimes they committed, and not being caught) … good riddance, for now.

Ironically enough, Pacman's suspension (who many claim is being punished before being proven guilty of the 'rain-man' incident - not that he didn't have any priors either) from the NFL may be the least of his problems these days.

In reference to the commissioner’s official statement from earlier today, I couldn't agree more. In fact, I think this is exactly what professional sports should be looking to undertake in all facets. I called for Chris Simon to miss an entire year. I didn't complain when Melo got 15 games, even though the instigators should've received similar lengths in their suspensions.

Interestingly, ESPN's Chris Mortensen dropped some rather surprising information on the Dan Patrick radio show today. He told Patrick that nearly 80% of the NFL Player Representatives (2-3 per team typically) discussed at their annual meetings that Pacman and Henry should receive potential 'lifetime bans'. This wasn't just talk on the golf course or by the swimming pool either.

NFL Players are clearly fed up with the reputation. Goodell's advisory committee most likely agreed with this ruling and probably wanted a stiffer penalty for Henry. They are tired of being labeled as thugs, gangsters, adulterers, and overall bad guys. I, for one, can't blame them. One bad apple can't spoil it for everyone. However, only when the Players, and specifically their Union, speak out publicly against situations and players acting like this will true progress be made.

My gut reaction hasn't changed since the talk of major suspensions, or potential bans, came out: strike them down swiftly and quickly. Great work, Roger. Mr. Upshaw, don't fight this too rigorously, or it will bite you and the players much more than you think.

Paymon
Accountability. That is the single word which can be applied to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s decisions to suspend Titans cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones for the entire 2007 season and suspend Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry for eight games. It is that same degree of accountability which should strike fear into current NFL players who would think of putting themselves in a position of danger.

No one can blame Goodell for these suspensions. Some have said that Goodell stripped the men of their livelihoods, but let’s be honest. They were stripping themselves eons before the commissioner’s office stepped in to resolve an issue. Both players have had it coming with poor conduct taking place long before they stepped on the professional gridiron, or even when both starred at West Virginia. Jones and Henry have a combined 4 years of NFL service, are in their early 20s and on a fast-track to either life in prison or an untimely death. In my eyes, Goodell’s decision did them both a favor.

The next few months are all about growing up for the two young men. Neither have done so yet and neither have shown any indication that they were on the verge of doing so until an intervention came via the one man who can cut them off permanently from their only legal way of making a half-decent living. This is the chance to make things right internally, as both men, especially Jones, have unresolved legal problems lying in wait.

As for the league, they must take responsibility for its players actions – and we realize that they are by the perception hit that the league takes – by improving its programs for new players. In fact, league offices from the major sports should make it their job to convene with another and develop a set of best practices in terms of maximizing player conduct. While this is no panacea, it’s a way of doing more to attack the root cause of the problem rather than simply suspending repeat offenders.

Sum
After all the time wasted by the NFL by handing out fines and suspensions for celebrations, it's nice to see some legitimate action by the league's front office. Adam "Pacman" Jones and Chris Henry have wasted the incredible opportunity afforded to them by life. Their conduct has eclipsed the whining of T.O., the cell-phone incident of Joe Horn, and the on-again, off-again relationship between Ricky Williams and pot ... combined.

Jones has been interviewed by police in relation to 10 different incidents since being drafted by the Titans 2 years ago. The man has more "heart-to-hearts" with the police than I have had with women. Henry, on the other hand, had 4 arrests over the course of 14 months. It's rumored that he was just logging visiting hours with inmates as part of the NFL's latest United Way campaign.

Ultimately, these two athletes earned what the NFL dished out to them. In a world where the days of professional athletes as positive role models has seemingly gone out the window, we need to combat any chance of them becoming destructive influences on children. Roger Goodell has already made himself a force to be reckoned with when it comes to disciplining players. The suspension of Albert Haynesworth took care of that. The new action against Jones and Henry was necessary. The NFL has a system in place for substance abuse, which calls for at least a year-long suspension after the third infraction. These two young athletes, while not officially breaking the substance abuse policy, acted as menaces to society apart from drug and alcohol abuse. Ten infractions in 2 years for Jones and 4 in 14 months for Henry. The suspensions doled out by Goodell were more than justified, and frankly, I think he could've given Henry a full year as well.

Let the iron-rule of Goodell continue as long as it's necessary to get the NFL back on track.