1021

They did proceed without the victim, to a point. They charged him with felony aggravated assault, but only made him go to counseling in exchange for having the charges dropped. According to the DA, this being his first time in an incident like this, plus her choosing not testifying is why they recommended this. Which is also why they’re getting flak for not pursing this harder, especially when they actually had the footage.

Anyone else see Stephen A. go off on NOW’s demand for Goodell’s resignation? Dude might have gotten himself in trouble again.

I can see Goodell surviving this unless it’s proven that he did know about / see the video, lied about it, and gave a two-game suspension despite that. But I also think the walls are closing in on him, and I’m about expecting for that to either be proven, or him gone before then.

And now they’re apparently having someone investigate their handling of this. We should have the “you royally fucked up” result of this later today. Or the complete opposite near the end of the season.

1022

Short of the government getting involved the only ones with the actual power to remove Goodell is the owners. And unless he flips on them randomly, they’ve shown they have no desire to throw him under the bus. They’ve had the opportunity if they wanted to.

1023

And they can still remove him later or he can still resign. But without something concrete to show he lied about seeing the tape, I don’t think either is a guarantee.

Edit: Also this happened in Atlantic City, so it’s New Jersey, not Nevada.

Edit 2: I just remembered that this is New Jersey, a state which brought us a TV show that in turn brought us this:

Spoiler

http://static.fjcdn.com/gifs/SNOOKI_20b894_2233270.gif

Must be a Jersey thing.

1024

One thing I have learned regarding this Ray Rice incident is that “We all have skeletons”

Thank you Captain

https://forum-s3.pinside.com/201306/955557/111840.jpg

1025

Well now I’m hearing on Mike & Mike the DA explaining that even if this had gone to trial, Rice would have gotten probation at the most. No jail time at all for this under the law.

1026

My only problem is the “Double Jeopardy.” He was punished once, to go back and add to it because the commissioner is taking heat is making Rice the scapegoat. That’s not to say that I feel sorry for Rice, but I feel that on principal you can’t go back and increase a punishment once it’s been handed down, especially if what Newsome said is true in that Ray told them exactly what was on that tape. In that case he’s being punished because the league is embarrassed.

Ray Rice also has the issue of coming off of a bad year and being on the latter slope of what’s considered middle age for someone in his position. At this point even if he was eligible to be picked up he simply isn’t worth the baggage.

The main issue that I have with this type of “death penalty” punishment is that not only doesn’t it encourage rehabilitation, but it can make matters worse for victims. It’s already tough for victims of domestic violence to get out, and money is a part of why some of these women are staying. How are they encouraging women to come forward when a conviction means the end of the big paycheck, more for the abuser to be angry about, and more time for them to be together? This type of punishment encourages silence. One and done seems tough, but it may be the worst thing that can be done. Goodell’s idea of 6 weeks for the first offense, and then a possible lifetime ban for the second is what it needs to be, with additional mandatory counseling.

The only reason this penalty is so bad is because there’s video. That’s it. There have been FAR worse things that players have done and gotten away with far less.

1027

Yo I sent you a trade offer if you’re still in need of an RB. Take it or leave it, or send a counter offer.

1028

You can get away with “Double Jeopardy” if new evidence in the case is brought up that would require harsher punishment. That was the initial way they did it to Rice, claiming that the Elevator Video was unseen prior to the punishment being handed down.

However, not only has it been proven that they had the tape FAR before they even handed it down, but as you said, Ray apparently told them exactly what’s on the tape. So not if, but WHEN Ray goes to appeal the suspension increase, he’s likely going to win. Of course the issue is, no team will take him in at this point due to be a declining RB with a crapton of baggage and PR issues.

1029

It’s hilarious that the NFL is in the biggest PR crisis since the whole steroids and lockout of the 80s while the powers-that-be are scrambling to still be able to market themselves and the league to the female demographic. Geez, you’d think that the people that run the league also moonlight as staunch Republicans.

Oh yeah, there’s a Ravens game tonight…

1030

Yeah and I have Pitta and Antonio Brown going tonight too.

1031

Yeah I made damn sure not to have any players on my fantasy team that play on an offense run by Joe fucking Flacco lol.

1032

Normally I’d agree with that sentiment.

However, remember one of the Quarterback rules. Whenever you are a struggling quarterback, who’s your best friend? The Security Blanket, the ole Tight End. Pitta got me 10 points last week, beyond his usual value. Considering I drafted him late, I’ll definitely take it.

1033

See I went with Olsen instead because his QB is actually GOOD, and the team lacks experience at WR position. My problem with Flacco/Pitta is that Flacco is quite literally INCAPABLE of accurate throws, short mid range or otherwise. He got by on really athletic plays by his WRs fighting for under/overthrown deep balls along with the previously great running game and defense. The Ravens are going to be BAD this year. Really bad. Like, NY Giants bad.

1034

I’m aware of how bad they will be. You’re acting as if I had an alternative at TE I should’ve went for.

1035

Should I start Keenan Allen vs the Seahawks

1036

I predict a Giants vs Ravens Super Bowl.

1037

Who are your other WRs?

1038

Aj green, rod streater, Greg Jennings, and Terrence Williams

1039

Who are Streater and Williams’ opponents?

1040

Yeah I guess you’re right. That entire position is Graham, theory fighter healthy Gronk, and then everyone else. But since that’s the case I’d just rather pick a TE that has an NFL caliber QB throwing to him.