I don't give a crap about Goodell or what he was influinced by. He isn't a judge and Rice isn't getting sentanced. That isn't the NFLs job.

Rice is a first time offender and broke the conduct clause, that is all the NFL has a responsibilty to address. Repeated breaches will get a larger penalty. So getting caught smoking weed for a 4th time and getting a year is not a punishment to fit the crime of smoking weed. It is a punishment for repeatedly breaking the conduct policy.

Vick was punished by the law. He wasn't suspended until after the conviction and he was reinstated after his release from prison. So he really served no suspension at all, other than the time he was incarcerated anyway.

If Rice isn't convicted of anything and doesn't serve a sentance, should he be suspended at all?

I think yes. Because he still breached the conduct clause.

Originally Posted by: Dexter_Sinister 

Goodell is the defacto judge in the system set up under the PCP. The NFL may not be a court but for the purposes of the PCP, Goodell is the Judge Wapner over it...and he was influenced by "testimony" of Rice's wife and rendered a "sentence" just like a real judge.

I understand the idea of repeat offenders and that's a good point, however, a pattern of smoking weed still pales in comparison to domestic violence. What if had been the Ray Lewis situation...he is for all intents and purposes an OJ styled murderer and kills his wife but gets off in a court of law. Should that first time offense be met with a light sentence.

The NFL really needs to lay out what their policy is, and perhaps they do , and we just don't know it. I think a first time offender for domestic violence trumps the habitual weed doctor, but that's just me. I'm disappointed the NFL didn't come down more severely. Roethlisberger is someone to compare... what was he convicted of? If memory serves...nothing. Did he get suspended? Yes. So, not convicted in a court of law but punished by the league for a first offense of NOT being convicted...hence, not guilty of anything other than perception of guilt? Those two situations don't square...I think both are equally deplorable.

In the end, 2 games for physical abuse is not enough.

Originally Posted by: uffda udfa 

I see a great opportunity here. The NFL has dropped the ball, most everyone can agree or make that argument partially.

I think if Ray Rice were to donate 4 of his paychecks to various domestic abuse establishments, I think he could save face and begin on the road of redemption.

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool 

It isn't the NFLs job to punish him. They are not a criminal court.

Here is the question, what if the charges are dropped and the case is dismissed?

Aren't the courts more in a position to make a statement than the league? Time off of work vs time in a prison.

The league is not supposed to provide justice. We are supposed to have a criminal justice system for that.

Football is a game.

Originally Posted by: Dexter_Sinister 

Ask Erik Walden.

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool