Saving the NFL
Before anyone disputes the title of my latest blog and before you read any further, stop and think for a moment “what positive stories does the NFL as a whole currently have “I rest my case". When Seattle Seahawks Earl Thomas returned a fumble for a touchdown in the New Orleans/ Seahawks game. Thomas did something that should’ve been a picture-perfect moment for the NFL to make a commercial promoting unity especially with today’s climate when he hugged official, Alex Kemp. Kemp decided to thrown a penalty flag of Unsportsmanlike conduct by Thomas which resulted in a 15-yard penalty. Since Kemp ruined that great moment, leave it up to me to fix some issues the NFL is ignoring like putting a band aid on a flesh wound.
Develop the Domestic Abuse policy
Get rid of players being given an automatic one game suspension and then coming back with a harsher penalty see (Ray Rice & Josh Brown). Implement a committee that will hear these cases and handout punishment. Once a player is accused of domestic abuse, he should be immediately removed from the active roster and cannot play while waiting for his appeal. If a player is found guilty, he is banned from the NFL indefinitely and can appeal for reinstatement after one year. It is time for the NFL to take a harsh stance on violence against women.
Start a campaign that promotes peace and unity
Like it or not, Colin Kaepernick forced everyone in America to realize that there are some significant issues in our great country with senseless killings of African Americans. Embracing the notion that our country needs unity, I believe it would be a powerful message to have both Roger Goodell and Players Union President Dee Smith join hands with a message stating we are all standing for peace. In addition a campaign showing the players and fans standing as one. Notice I said standing, thus addressing the people that had an issue with players kneeling, we could all stand and acknowledge the issues and respect the American Flag.
Flexing the weaker matchups to make Thursday, Sunday and Monday Night games “Must See TV”
Too many NFL games this season have been a dud and the ratings say so and to make matters worse, the national games on Thursday, Sunday and Monday nights have been even worse. Can you imagine what the NFL would be like if there was no fantasy football? Many games would be on tape delay. Yes, I understand the networks pay a treasure trove to broadcast top match ups and yes I understand that the NFL when it makes out the schedule cannot always predict which games will be a dud. But unlike many of the other major pro sports leagues, the NFL can change the games or the term they use “flex” games. I understand it is difficult to switch a game, let alone the Thursday night games, but with notice, flexing those games are essential. Imagine how entertaining the Saints/Seahawks game would have been on Thursday night instead of the Jaguars/Titans scrimmage. The Monday night game should’ve been the Falcons/Packers game. Change the overtime rules i.e. “Don’t let a game end on a tie, the Bengals/Washington game should’ve had a winner ties are for wearing not in sports.
More Practice time with pads and instructions
I watched the Tampa Bay/Raiders game on Sunday (I am a fan of the Bucs) and saw the Raiders give the term “ugly win a real meaning” the Raiders set the NFL record for penalties in a game. Football at its best is when you have all the players on the same page. Since the players wanted to have less practice in pads, some of this has hurt the overall NFL product in terms of teams being better. Teams with a lot of turnovers usually are the ones that struggle. The Dallas Cowboys arguably have the best offensive line in the NFL and it has come from them being together for quite some time. The term practice makes perfect is true in this case. I understand that less practice preserves and protects players but it has been practice that enhanced their ability to make it to the NFL, so why cut back now?
Make the NFL more fan friendly and not “stuffy”
For years, the NFL has been known as the "No Fun League". The game has been hit with some serious issues mainly CTE, that has influenced youth football. Goodell should encourage players to showcase their dances end zone routines etc. making sure it doesn’t go overboard. Having the players connect with fans is very important, if my plans were in place, the ref Alex Kemp would’ve had a nice laugh when Thomas hugged him. Do you remember how much attention former NFL player Chad Johnson (Ochocinco) brought to the league every time he scored and prepared his end zone dance? Getting some fun and energy into the game would help transition a new group of younger fans to the game. The old owners seem to have no vision for the new NFL, like they're still living in the old days of the NFL. Pretty soon we could see penalties thrown every time a Green Bay Packers player jumps into the end zone stands with the fans doing the Lambeau Leap.
NFL YOUR WELCOME!
Bottom Line Sports
@SiriusXMNBA Channel 207 XM 86 Sat/Sun10-1pm est & Tues 9pm-10:30pm est on http://blogtalkradio.com/bline . The show w/ Gerald Brown & Howie C
