New York Mets: Bud Selig Needs to Take Notes from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell

You do not mess with inspired Americans.

You definitely don’t mess with inspired Americans who are expected to mourn the worst tragedy ever to take place on American soil.

MLB commissioner Bud Selig needs to have a sit-down with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Selig clearly needs a lesson in humility following his absurd handling of the recent New York Mets' September 11 drama.

The Mets have every right to speak out against his lack of humility, which is becoming an unnecessary distraction for the club.

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“New York Mets manager Terry Collins says ‘hat flap’ has become a distraction. Bud Selig would reportedly take it a step further.

Major League Baseball's commissioner called the Mets on Sunday night irate that the club had gone public that his office had prevented players from wearing the caps of September 11 first responders for that night's game at Citi Field, the New York Post reported.

A Mets official told the newspaper that the commissioner said the team threw the league "under the bus."

"Selig got embarrassed by it," the official told the Post. "The game got moved into prime time (on ESPN) because of 9/11, and MLB ended up getting embarrassed,” according to ESPNNewYork.com’s Staff.

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Nobody is going to apologize or care that Mr. Selig feels embarrassed. He damn well should be embarrassed.

I applaud MLB for having league-wide caps to represent the tragedy. “Players on Sunday wore the official 9/11 Mets cap, with a small American flag adorning the side, during the game,” according to ESPNNewYork.com.

Still, it’s ridiculous that the Mets weren’t allowed to wear FDNY or NYPD caps in honor of the men who responded to calls on that tragic Tuesday and continue to keep New York safe. On this day, much like Goodell did, Selig should have tossed his league-wide uniform aside for the Mets. 

Jose Reyes donned the hat during batting practice, and the team should have been allowed to wear it during the game.

Amazingly, coaches on the sidelines of the Sunday Night Football game between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets in the Meadowlands were seen wearing FDNY hats. The same caps were seen on coaches during the New York Giants vs. Redskins in Washington.

The entire day I sat and watched my football with a heavy heart, but I still smiled every time I saw those ribbons, hats and flags.

Goodell, who is known for fining individuals left and right for violating league policy, allowed his players to honor the anniversary as they saw fit. Lance Briggs, Miles Austin, Dustin Keller and players around the league wore special USA-themed shoes and gloves.

He did not fine them for disobeying league-wide uniform sanctions. He let them honor the people who fought and continue to fight for our freedom and each every day. He let them honor the people that were lost on the tragic day.

Players also donned a special 9/11 ribbon on the front of their jerseys, and their helmets had a special decal on the back.   

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“’It's an important date for our country and to recognize the people who were tragically lost, their families, their first responders and so many of the people who have kept us safe,’ Goodell said. ‘The NFL will do its part to respectfully pay tribute to them. It's an important day, and we'll be a part of it. We're proud to do that,’” said Goodell according to FanIQ’s Kurt Kingsley.

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Instead of bickering about the Mets being upset that they couldn’t wear their non-sanctioned hats, Selig and the MLB would have benefited from him making a similar statement.

Where was Selig on Sunday? Considering the Cubs vs. Mets game was moved to prime time on ESPN, Selig should have made an effort to get to New York at some point during the contest.

Goodell was at the Giants vs. Redskins game, and was part of the honorary pregame ceremony. He was clearly moved by the opening ceremony when he spoke with FOX Sports sideline reporter Pam Oliver before kickoff.

It was a beautiful ceremony with R&B singer Ne-Yo performing the National Anthem as people held out an American Flag the size of the field. New York and Chicago also had similarly phenomenal ceremonies, among others.

The Mets put together a fantastic ceremony before the opening pitch Sunday night.

I applaud them for it, but I refuse to applaud Selig. It would have been great to see him there, but it would have been even better if he followed in Goodell's footsteps and allow players to honor as they saw fit. 

Goodell may often bring down the hammer on his players, but he knows where his heart is at all times, with both the fans and his players.

If the way he handled being booed at the NFL draft wasn't enough of an indication that he has the best interest of everyone at hand, this should be.

He isn’t the devil, nor is he as selfish as people want to make him out to be. He organized respectful and beautiful ceremonies in honor of the tragedy.

Selig should be embarrassed for not allowing the Mets to wear the caps they wanted. He should be embarrassed for how he is still handling the situation. He should be ashamed, and I’m glad the Mets ousted him for his actions.

For a man who is the commissioner of the sport deemed “America's pastime,” he looks like a fool and needs a stern lesson in humility from Goodell.