Why NBA's David Stern Must Punish Derrick Rose

Trey Bradley by Senior Writer Written on August 26, 2009
BOSTON - MAY 02:  Rajon Rondo #9 of the Boston Celtics tries to keep Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls from passing the ball in bounds in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at TD Banknorth Garden on May 2, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Bulls 109-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Based on what we know of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, how would he handle the Derrick Rose situation?

Come on, humor me.

Hypothetically, a No. 1 NFL draft pick is found to have falsified his SATs.  He never should have been eligible to play for that top 10 college football program, the one that landed him on national television, took him to the BCS, and skyrocketed his draft stock. 

Based on Roger Goodell's track record, would he not be tempted to fine or suspend that player?

After all, if he can't or won't, who else will?

Not the player's new team. They're afraid of offending their multimillion dollar investment. 

Not the NCAA. When it comes to athletes-turned-professional, they have less jurisdiction than the Podunk Police Department.

However, the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy has expanded the commissioner's disciplinary power to a virtually limitless extent. Goodell has used it to set new precedent, and to serve notice to future offenders.

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By now, we know more than we need to, and more than Derrick Rose ever hoped we would, about his eligibility issues at Memphis.

His decisionsand no matter who else was involved in the artifice, the blame is ultimately Rose'shave contributed to forfeiture of a record number of wins, the denigration of a college basketball program, and the untold financial consequences that go along with it.

Mercifully for Memphis, it could have been much worse.

Yet how is Rose affected?

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Vote Now! - Author Poll

Does Derrick Rose deserve to be fined or suspended by the NBA for cheating on his SAT?

  • Yes
  • No
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Results - Author Poll

Does Derrick Rose deserve to be fined or suspended by the NBA for cheating on his SAT?

  • Yes

    27.1%
  • No

    72.9%
  • Total votes: 192
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written on August 26, 2009 Opinion

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