Saints' Bounty Program: Roger Goodell's Crackdown for Safety Reeks of Hypocrisy

Gregg Williams and Sean Payton got what they deserved. The bounty program is reprehensible, but with that said, there is no educated football fan that believes the Saints are alone in this type of practice.

Whether we want to admit it or not, this is NFL culture. Who is to blame for that?

What about Roger Goodell and those responsible for establishing and or marketing it?

After all, isn't that the issue here?

Changing Culture Must Start Early

I know, Roger Goodell has appointed himself as the man whose purpose is to change the culture of the NFL. I applaud any effort that increases human safety, but the change in culture can't take place in the form of suspensions based on on-field actions.

The game is being taught by coaches at levels far beneath the posts that Sean Payton and Gregg Williams held. These middle school, high school and college coaches are basing their teachings on what has been conveyed to them as the NFL way.

This path to the proper football mindset leads to helmet-rattling hits, rib-breaking tackles and gladiator-like glory in victory.

This is taught religiously.

When we talk about positive traits for an offensive lineman, one thing we always mention is the "mean streak."

If the kid doesn't show one, his draft stock falls.

Well, what becomes of a 330-pound kid in a helmet, pads and a vicious mean streak?

The NFL Way is Endorsed By Those We're Taught To Respect

One of the NFL's most hallowed and revered figures, George Halas once said:

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“Find out what the other team wants to do. Then take it away from them.”

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That theory evolved into what the Saints' bounty program was based on. The Rams loved to utilize the gifts of Kurt Warner, the Eagles live and die by Mike Vick's ability to run.

Take that away, right.

Sure, the message has been polluted a bit, but realistically could we expect anything different? It's the evolution and progression of human thought. We are always in pursuit of a better, or more complete method of accomplishment.

We won't take away that part of their game, we'll take out the player that makes that aspect of their attack function.

It's like a parent smoking weed with their child, and then later chastising them for moving on to bigger and more potent drugs.

What did you think was going to happen?

Money Talks and Safety Runs a Marathon

From video games like NFL Blitz, to the new Nike NFL uniforms, images and marketing further encourage the hard-hitting style players, and now coaches are being reprimanded for it.

Blitz features NFL players and teams in over the top, hard hitting, cartoon-like action. If these hits were performed in real life, obviously they would result in major injury.

That said—it seems the NFL collects the proceeds from this business relationship, while maintaining their "safety" stance by hiding behind the cartoonish nature of the game.

It's inconsistent, especially when you consider the changes made to the Madden gaming franchise.

Now your Madden experience is equipped with a speech about safety and concussions after a player is injured in your simulated football reality.

Oh, but you better believe; like Ragu, it's in there, or should I say: "If it's in the game, it's in the game."

Virtual fence straddling at it's finest.

Lastly, take a look at this video from the NFL on Fox presentation package:

Hmm..let's see, we've got robots that look like the Sentinels from the X-Men, with cross-hairs and radars like they are at war.

Subliminally, what type of message does that send? Maybe it isn't even all that subliminal.

Furthermore, who do you think this type of package is marketed towards?

You got it, the youth.

It looks cool, and it is far more likely to impress an 11-year-old than a 45-year-old.

Pick a Side

The NFL is talking out of both sides of its mouth. They must pick a side.

If you're going to change the game, then change it. Sacrifice all the lucrative deals, and risk the portion of your fanbase that won't buy in for the sake of a safer approach. I'd commend the NFL as an organization for doing it.

If you're not, then stop apologizing for what the product is. It's a brutal, exciting gladiator sport that has the largest following in the country. Will it ever be OK to intentionally set out to injure another human being?

If the sport is placed in the proper perspective, perhaps it would be? Is that not what the intention in boxing and MMA is?

The problem is that the NFL and its fans want to place themselves and their sport above the violent sports. In actuality, there are very few differences.

Educate players and fans of the risks, and allow them to make their own decisions about their level of participation.

In the end, it is what it is.