NFL Shows Its Greatness in Punishing Former Buffalo Bills Coach Gregg Williams

I start this column by pointing out the irony of my timing. Earlier Tuesday, I wrote about my hope that the NFL will embrace positive change in the form of lifting their blackout policy. Today, I’m applauding the league for their swift and decisive action regarding the New Orleans Saints’ bounty scandal. 

I’ve heard a lot of pundits say that they were shocked by the severity of the punishment. Many suggested the indefinite suspension of former Bills coach Gregg Williams and one-year suspension of Saints coach Sean Payton was overly harsh. The NFL is the greatest sports league in the world for a reason. In this case, they showed it by understanding the larger ramifications of what their punishment meant.

With harsh punishment, the NFL sent a message to every team in the league. Their message indicated that they mean business when it comes to acknowledging the need to evolve in a way that makes the game safer and, ultimately, more sustainable. 

If you were a player or coach on another team thinking that bounties were no big deal, this punishment will make you think twice. By setting a progressive precedent, the league made it clear that any hint of bounty activity won't be tolerated. 

I’ve heard a lot of commentary suggesting that the bounty system exists in locker rooms all around the NFL. If that’s the case, it’s exactly the reason the NFL needed to be appropriately severe in their punishment. 

Wednesday, the public found out that the NFL is doling out more than lip service when it comes to player safety. The NFL demonstrated how progressive they can be when it comes to the long-term sustainability and success of the game we love.  

For those who think that the NFL is being hypocritical in their punishment, answer this question: If the punishment was less severe, would the game, the league and player safety be better or worse right now?