Brett Favre: Does Commissioner Roger Goodell Have the Guts To Suspend Favre?

Embattled quarterback Brett Favre has a lot on his mind these days as result of the allegations levied against him.  We know about the photos, texts and voice mails Favre allegedly sent to Jenn Sterger. 

So what happens now?

The NFL is currently doing its due diligence to determine if some sort of disciplinary action will be taken against the “Golden Boy.”  Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, "I'm going to deal with it as we get the facts and make sure we're being responsible."

Goodell also suggested there is no planned meeting to discuss the matter with Favre in the foreseeable future.

Translation, we’ll give Favre and his camp enough time to cut a deal.

Favre has been anointed the King of the Hill for many years.  Now turmoil has infiltrated his world like never before.  Favre was apparently chasing women in New York like he did in Green Bay. 

Things probably aren’t the best at home, his team is 1-3 and his elbow is ailing him.

This brings us to the question on many peoples mind: Does Goodell have the guts to suspend Favre amidst these allegations?

If Favre is suspended it will likely fall under the “personal conduct policy.” 

Also, depending on what Sterger does he could possibly be sued for sexual-harassment.

Can anyone say checkbook?

Another scenario that is somewhat of a stretch is Favre could get off.  He could simply cut a check to Sterger and the other alleged women involved.  Then he can plead to Goodell not interrupt his consecutive game streak and let him ride off into the sunset.

Still at this point there are more questions than answers. Questions like the following:

Is it possible that these allegations are false?

Why didn’t this story surface two years ago?

Is it a coincidence this situation spawned prior to Favre playing a game against the team where the alleged incidents took place?

Was there a relationship between Favre and this woman? 

All we have to go on at this point are the alleged voice mails, texts and pictures of Favre’s private parts.

Is it possible that Favre and Sterger had some sort of an agreement and Favre didn’t make good on it?

Typically when someone is innocent they would let it be known.  Again, we don’t know what has actually transpired but we do know what’s not been said.  Favre hasn’t emphatically denied the reports nor has he denounced the allegations as being frivolous. 

In any event, if these allegations prove to be true Favre must face the piper.  He must dance by the music the heavy-handed Roger Goodell has placed on other players for bringing shame to the game.

This story is just beginning to pick up steam but I still assert it’s not where it should be.  Favre is benefiting from the “good will” he’s accumulated as the “Ole Gunslinger” from media.  They are creating an atmosphere necessary for Favre to get off with a slap on the wrist.

Sports Illustrated Peter King suggested, “I said this last night on NBC: There shouldn’t be a rush to judgment in this case; Favre has never been found guilty of any matter in the league’s Personal Conduct Policy in his 19 years in the NFL and should be afforded the presumption of innocence here.”

King continues, “You shouldn’t assume that Favre, if found culpable in the matter, will be suspended, because commissioner Roger Goodell most often does not go the suspension route on a first offense in the conduct policy. Now, he could find this offense particularly troubling and call for a suspension, certainly. But I don’t think it’s automatic.”

Interesting how the likes of Adam Jones, Michael Vick, Plaxico Burress, and others have felt the wrath of Goodell yet the likes of King didn’t come to their rescue. 

This is the classic example of what I’ve been suggesting for years: White players like Favre and Roethlisberger can make the connection because of their shared complexion with the media. 

Few African-Americans in any sport have been able to transcend race to the point of being cut some serious slack.  The closest would be Michael Jordan of the most recent era and Muhammad Ali back in the day.

That’s it.

Woods was blasted for teeing it up with an array of women besides his wife.  That same mainstream media that demanded Tiger provide an explanation regarding his transgressions is not pressing Favre to talk about his.

Favre has been the face of the NFL for two-decades.  He was revered for the type of year he had last year and rightfully so.  Quite possibly he had his finest year as a pro at age-40 and the media loved it.

Now he appears to be an old quarterback only good enough to show mere glimpses of what use to be.  Therefore, if the media can praise Tiger as the greatest golfer of all-time when he’s top of his game yet kicks him in the teeth when he’s down why isn’t the same thing happening to Favre?

What would you attribute the inconsistency in media coverage to?

Bottom line: If the mainstream media can destroy attempt to destroy the likes of Tiger Woods for cheating on his wife why can’t that same media bludgeon the likes of Brett Favre when they screw up?

Is consistency too much to ask?

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