Roger Goodell now Jolly Roger

by Brian Levenson on Jul 25, 2011 11:08 AM EDT in Meta-Jacksonville Jaguars

This is only peripherally related to anything Jaguars, but I thought it would be appropriate to note that after all the talk of who the "losers" are in the lockout, there is one clear winner: Roger Goodell.

Goodell was faced with a very difficult situation when he took over as the commissioner of the NFL. From the day he took over, Goodell has had to deal with head injuries, exploding player salaries, and oh yeah, a gigantic labor dispute. It has been his role to remain calm and level-headed throughout the negotiations and keep his focus on the long-term future of the NFL. I believe that he has done so, and because of it, he has cemented himself in the role as commissioner. No matter what happens from here on out, his career will last at least as long as the new Collective Bargaining agreement he was instrumental in bringing about.

I'm not the only one who thinks this. Actually, Albert Breer has been very vocal in commending the job Goodell has done in the past few weeks keeping the negotiations on track. As much as I am annoyed by his excessive fines for violent hits and the questionable rules changes concerning catches (you know, the Calvin Johnson play) he has made in the past few years, I respect Goodell for being consistently goal-oriented throughout the whole lockout/CBA process.

From the end of last season on, Goodell has been consistent in saying he wants to stay out of litigation (which only slowed down the process and ultimately decided nothing) and in the bargaining room. There were never any reports that Goodell was unwilling to meet with player reps despite the opposite being true. When T.O. requested a phone conversation with Goodell, Goodell obliged him (in an obvious political move, but still a classy one.)

I believe he has been fair, and while he has been trying to get the owners the best possible deal, he was willing to look at the players' requests and allow a lot of what the players were asking for in the new CBA (rookie wage scale, increased post-career benefits, etc.) Ultimately, I think Goodell has to be very happy with himself and his standing in the NFL community following the resolution of this labor disagreement. Also, as fans of a small-market team, we owe Goodell for not caving in to the Dan Snyder's and Jerry Jones' but really working for a deal that benefits everyone. I feel that Goodell has done a great job as the commissioner this offseason.

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Goodell has been great on the business side of things but horrible when it comes to rule changes. This cannot be denied.

I just hope he is quick to correct any mistakes he has made with the rules later on.

by Catfanatic1979v1 on Jul 25, 2011 11:28 AM EDT reply actions

I completely disagree sir

He is the one who was the “leader” of the lock out/cause of the entire work stoppage, the horrible lock out preparation strategies that backfired with the tv money, is pretty much universally hated by the players in addition to what appears to be a majority of the fans, the BS rule changes… the list kind of goes on and on. I think you’re already so happy to have football back you may in fact be intoxicated.

Just my opinion of course, but I think the story is far from over on whether or not he’’s doing or ahs done a great job. If this CBA works out for the long term benefit of the league… then maybe.

WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?

by BIBBEE on Jul 25, 2011 1:01 PM EDT reply actions

I think he helped close a long-term deal that kept both the owners and players playing the game.

Whether the fans love him or not, he’s done his job, and will absolutely have the respect of the major players in the NFL world.

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I'm willing to drink the Kool-ade, but I'm hungry for the truth.

by Brian Levenson on Jul 25, 2011 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions

I guess time will really tell

But I guess you could say the same thing for De Smith then too right?

A lot will come out of where he won and lost battles in negotiations and again… much like a draft pick, we will only see the production of this agreement 3-4 years+ in the future to know if he was really successful this offseason.

One thing that really got me from your article was the following:

“Also, as fans of a small-market team, we owe Goodell for not caving in to the Dan Snyder’s and Jerry Jones’ but really working for a deal that benefits everyone.”

Possibly on revenue sharing – IF a good revenue sharing model was put in place, which will we still don’t know the details of yet. BUT as the man who orchestrated the lockout and this entire work stoppage, we will also have him to thank if we cannot overcome the severe lack of momentum of ticket sales and backing of our team here in Jacksonville. If we lose all that momentum and are back to blackouts and national ridicule and moving speculation, then we as fans of a small market team will have Roger Goodell to thank for that as well.

WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?

by BIBBEE on Jul 25, 2011 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions