In the last blog I talked about how personal fouls are hurting the reputation and fan base of the NFL. Not only is it obvious to fans and the general public that this is an issues but the players are taking the bulk of the hurt. Not only do some of these guys still get there bell rung and hurt people in the process of hitting someone but they get smacked down with fines. Most of this is money but some players have actually been suspended and some players, like Pittsburgh’s James Harrison, has been fined more from big hits than guys like André Johnson and Cortland Finnegan for fighting. If you didn’t catch my post about their little scuffle I defiantly recommend you check that out.
Go to this website from NFL.com and read this article and watch some of the videos posted here about illegal hits and the fines and process.
I mean this stuff its nuts. They fined three guys 175K in one season. Yes I admit sometimes guys will intentionally spear people (lead with their head) to cause more pain but sometimes it’s not intentional. Hitting is part of the game and I think the NFL is trying to make more profit from players and their trying to protect their “celebrity players” like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning so that their image looks good. Sounds crazy right? Well I wouldn’t put it past the NFL to pull some stunt like this just to make some extra cash. This is one of the biggest problems facing the NFL today and I think the more people talk about it and the more opinions are herd the better chance that we have of putting an end to this.
Tell me what you think ladies and gentlemen. Is this is a legit concern or I am crazy?
- Chieffan81
I really think what the NFL is doing to try to prevent head and neck injuries is essential. However, I think a line needs to be drawn. There are instances where the player cannot control exactly where they hit. I think players like Harrison hit the way they hit and nothing is going to change that. I completely agree with what you said about how the NFL is trying to protect their "celebrity players." Also I feel that the fines are too harsh, and maybe the fine should depend on the damage the hitter does. If there is no damage and the hit appears to be unintentional then a lesser fine should be brought upon that player. There is definitely a difference between intentionally initiating helmet to helmet to contact and accidentally landing a blow on the helmet.
ReplyDeleteI tend to agree with you on the idea of the NFL just profiteering off the hard hits. I mean take a look at the idea they are trying to put through about extending the season an extra two games. There is no need for an extra two games in the NFL's system just a way for GM's to make some extra cash off the fan base.
ReplyDeleteTo the hitting part I, once again, must agree with you. Yes, spearing should be fined heavily and is uncalled for but how can fights be fined less than a hard hit? Harrison is just a beast of a man and one of the hardest hitters in the league so lets fine him for doing a great job?? I understand that quarterbacks take bruising hits and wide outs get blasted by line backers with absolutely no warning but are we not taught from little league that this is a risk and as defenders are job is to make that receiver fear coming over the middle again? I understand the idea behind the fines and all but these players get paid for the risk they take very well. Sure some say it is inhumane to see these gusy bodies get torn apart but then again football always has been a game of brutality and inhumanity. Look at the phrase every football player has heard once or twice, "Blood make the grass grow, kill, kill, kill."