Roger Goodell Isn't a Monster, but He Misses Too Many Big Picture Items

As Commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell supervises a league that is bigger and brighter than any other in sports. But as he closes in on his seventh season, his priorities need to be straightened out, for the good of the game.

As one of the most powerful figures in sports, Goodell has done the NFL a lot of good, but often times, he seems to jump the gun on lesser issues when more pressing ones are staring him right in the face.

Take the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal, for example. Goodell did what he had to do with former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. He slammed the door shut on him indefinitely for pompously directing his troops to injure opposing players. 

The commissioner also made an example of the Saints' coaching staff and front office, who allowed Williams' actions to take place and looked the other way when they were applied.

But did Goodell miss the picture when he doled out suspensions to two current Saints and two former ones? While it's true that they deserved punishment as well, did the length of those punishments fit the crime? And while Will Smith sits out four games and Jonathan Vilma an entire season, how does that change anything?     

Bounties have been going on for generations in the NFL and Goodell knows it. The Saints were just the first team to be caught red-handed. 

Recently, the Commissioner even appeared willing to put the topic behind him, by sheepishly accepting promises by other teams to keep bounties at bay.

"I heard that from our clubs, from our personnel," he said back in May, during a news conference in Chicago. "They recognize it's not part of the game. It doesn't need to be part of the game. And I don't think it's going to be an issue going forward." 

But that's not a strong enough message. Goodell needs to consider the consequences that would come from another scandal and come up with a plan that puts the fear of God in those who think they can still get away with it.

FantasyFurnace.com put the urgency of it all into perspective.

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[Goodell] needs to draw a line in the sand and instill a zero tolerance policy for any actions even remotely similar to what was just uncovered by the NFL legal authorities in New Orleans.

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Goodell also needs to provide the burden of proof, when he takes actions that are broad and stern.

The Saints' Vilma recently filed suit against Goodell for defamation of character and, if the case goes to trial, Goodell may be forced to shorten Vilma's year-long suspension. That certainly would put a dent in Goodell's authority and may open him up to additional lawsuits from those who feel slighted by his overwhelming power.

According to SI.com's Michael McCann:

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Vilma v. Goodell is more than just a defamation lawsuit. It is a direct challenge to a commissioner who, until now, has acted with more power than any commissioner in U.S. sports history. It is also an attempt to import judicial review of an individual who, until now, has been judge, jury and executioner of NFL justice.

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Goodell's decision-making has also been called into question with another big picture item.

For far too long, Goodell ignored a problem that has also been present for decades. Concussions occurred in the 1960s and are still occurring now. And as Goodell braces for a 'master complaint' lawsuit by thousands of former players, he is finally coming to the realization that their whispers have become screams.

According to CBSSports.com, helmet-maker Riddell was also named in the suit, which accuses the NFL of glorifying violence through media and other properties.

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The NFL, like the sport of boxing, was aware of the health risks associated with repetitive blows... Despite its knowledge... the NFL turned a blind eye to the risk and failed to warn and/or impose safety regulations.

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In the meantime, Goodell has scurried to respond, while spinning sympathy into the NFL's response. In an exclusive interview with SI.com's Peter King, the commissioner defended the league and the programs and benefits it has in place for player safety and retirees.

Meanwhile, other items seem to be coming out of the woodwork.

Drinking and driving among players has always been prevalent, but in the age of digital media, arrests have reached a far greater audience, to the detriment of the league and its image.

Once again, Goodell has to think outside the box and focus on the bigger picture. 

According to Mike Lupica of the New York Daily News, the NFL needs to crack down on the problem sooner rather than later, because "they have had DUI players behind the wheels of cars that killed people."

Just a year ago, Goodell was praised for keeping a level head during the league lockout, which eventually ended before regular season games were affected. But what a difference a year makes. He now seems in over his head with scandals and dramatic issues that warrant serious discussion. 

But don't feel too bad for the commissioner.

In February, Goodell received a five-year extension from the league, which will earn him $20 million a year. That's double what he'll make in 2012, and one particular player is not happy about it. 

To some, Goodell may seem superhuman. To others, he may be like a monster without a soul. But if he is ever going to save face, he needs to be proactive instead of reactive.

As AJC Blogger Mark Bradley points out, Goodell could even be a chief ally to the players and the league's saving grace. Like him or not, he'll be worth every penny if he accomplishes that.