Roger Goodell Fumbles Opportunity to Suspend Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Aqib Talib

This past weekend, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell fumbled the opportunity to suspend indicted Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib. 

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported on the matter yesterday, reflecting upon how "the hanging judge (Goodell) went easy" in not disciplining Talib. 

Goodell's decision not to suspend Talib surprised many football fans, especially those familiar with Talib's propensity for trouble, both on and off the field.  

Talib's May 2011 indictment for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon added to an already checkered reputation and growing list of scuffles, suspensions and violent encounters.   

This former Kansas Jayhawk has run afoul of authority as both a college student and later as a professional athlete.

While at the University of Kansas, Talib was suspended twice in 2006 for undisclosed disciplinary reasons and admitted three times to testing positive for marijuana. 

When attending the NFL Rookie Symposium in 2008, Talib tussled with fellow rookie Cory Boyd. 

During a 2008 Buccaneer practice, Talib swung his helmet at teammate Donald Penn, only to strike another fellow teammate, Torrie Cox. 

In August 2009, Talib assaulted a St. Petersburg taxi driver and was charged with resisting arrest and simple battery.

And last season, Talib argued heatedly with an NFL official during a late 2010 Bucs game versus the Baltimore Ravens. 

The NFL decided not suspend Talib for his most recent—but certainly most violent—brush with authority. Given Talib's penchant for punching people and his inability to restrain himself, I wouldn't be surprised to soon read his name again on a future police blotter. 

At that time, however, NFL commissioner Goodell shouldn't fumble, or even flinch, to mete out the appropriate punishment on Talib. 

Straight talk. No static. 

MIKE - thee ultimate talking head on sports! 

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