Dear Roger Goodell..

Dear Roger Goodell,

If you ever actually read this letter, I will be amazed. For some time now, I have wanted to speak with you. However, I don't really have that kind of pull (you were in my Section at Everbank Stadium for a Thursday night game, but I wasn't able to get close for the mob of people that surrounded you. And truthfully that wasn't the time or place to say what I needed to say). I understand and am reminded daily by fans of other teams, that my team, The Jaguars, have been under-performing the last several years. I realize in the real world that that situation will not command respect from John Q. Public. I understand. What I can't understand is the lack of respect that NFL Network, NFL Honors, and other NFL entities dish upon the Jaguars. How can you protect the brand this way? You are probably asking yourself "Where is this crazy football chick going with this? What is she talking about?"

What I'm talking about is the ridicule on NFL Honors in regards to the "suggestion box" that was read aloud. And I quote "The Jaguars should have fewer games HA HA HA". I expect that from Tony Kornheiser AKA Waffle-House-Is-The-Best-Restaurant-In-Jacksonville. I don't expect that from a "league run" awards show. My question to you is, are we loathed all they way to the corporate office? NFL films? Is it the priority of NFL Network to disparage the Jaguars on a pretty regular basis? I just need to know so I can accordingly put my thick skin on. It's become winter-like at this point. Does it need to be Siberia-like? I just need to know.

The other thing is if there is so much EMPHASIS on protecting the Quarterback in a passing league, why don't you see to it all Quarterbacks are protected the same? You have allowed league leaders: The Mannings, Tom Brady, Andrew Luck protection. What's wrong with sending out Fed Ex's for the same infractions on QBs like Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker, Ryan Tannehill? The lesser knowns? If anyone breathes on Tom Brady it's roughing the passer, half the distance to the goal and 1st down. Protect equally or every man for himself.

For heavens sake, why did you allow Gregg Williams back in the league? Let me guess, second chances? Please. Did you hear Renaldo Wynn imparted some knowledge this weekend that Gregg Williams had the Jaguars playbook during the 1999 AFC Championship game? Do you care? I get the whole you ain't cheatin' if you ain't tryin' bit, but C'mon man!! Gregg (with 2 G's) has to go. Stealing playbooks. Does that warrant any interest? Has it been too long? Or was Spygate more prominent because it was the Patriots?

As a fan, I would relish the opportunity to be at the NFL Combine. I realize this event is more team and player oriented and not fan oriented. However, I would be really quiet and not cheer. I just really like to watch competition. Also, unlike Browns Defensive Lineman Desmond Bryant, I would be more than happy for nosebleed seats from the NFL at the Super Bowl.

Sincerely,

MDK In The House

We Must Protect This House

Bountygate Part II

As the dust was beginning to settle on the suspensions for Gregg Williams, Sean Payton, Joe Vitt and Mickey Loomis, a gasp was heard around the world last week. Or at least in my office. That gasp came in the form of an email I received from an update contain a recording. At first, I thought nothing of the update that promised audio of Gregg Williams, the Defensive Coordinator for the New Orleans Saints, talking about bounties to the team before a game. Really? Wouldn't I have already heard this by now? Enough with the dramatics. I click on it. I listen to a 4 letter word laden pep talk by Williams before a game. "Go after the head". I was shocked, hence the gasp, but I try to take a realistic spin on everything. So, I actually thought maybe everyone thought he was speaking figuratively. I also did not like the fact that the audio was edited. That doesn't sit to well with me. I want to hear it in it's original context. I want it all.

Rewind to my post in March:  Bounty, the Quicker Picker Upper:

To me it's really amazing with all of the light on injuries in the NFL, that a successful D-Coordinator kept a Bounty System going that supposedly created season ending and career ending events for players. Isn't that a bit narcissistic? He's such a GREAT Defensive Coordinator that he had to use cash incentives so players would give a little extra and end up ruining other players lives? And what if opposing players did the same against him and his team? I'm also surprised given the light that has been on Steve Gleason, a former Saints Defensive player, who has been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Presumably from taking and delivering brutal hits. His website http://www.teamgleason.org/ is worth reading. He was also showcased on the pre-game Super Bowl Show this year. I think of something a wise person said: "You never know how the things you do today, can have an impact on others in the future." Should Gregg Williams continue to coach?

Now, on Saturday, I was in Orlando and had a particularly stressful and fun day on Friday, so I slept in a little Saturday. I was still in bed, scrolling through Facebook and noticed someone re post a twitter post about a blog from Sean Pamphilon, who recorded the audio. Against my better judgment, I decided to read it. It took me the better part of 45 minutes to read it on my IPhone. Sean Pamphilon was recording for a documentary called the United States of  Football. He was in this meeting on an invitation by Steve Gleason. The former player with ALS. So, let's make sure we have this right. Gregg Williams is giving this "pep talk/ mercenary mission" in front of a documentarian and Steve Gleason who is suffering from ALS (which is thought to have been from the repeated head traumas he took while playing football). Okay. I think we are on the right track.

During this Pep Talk/Mercenary Mission Assignment, Gregg Williams did not ask Pamphilon to turn off his recorder unlike Joe Vitt did earlier. And now the knowledge that he had this dialogue with the players with Steve Gleason in the room is astounding. How does Gregg Williams look Steve Gleason in the face? So, is it safe to assume he feels that Steve's illness is from weakness? What a piece of work.

Then there is the releasing of this tape by Pamophilon. He was under an agreement that said Steve Gleason and his family had total control over what was done with the recordings and Pamphilon released them anyway. Pamphilon says his motivation is protecting young children from injury. I believe that's all, well, fine and good. But why not honor the wishes of someone like Steve Gleason whose motto is "no white flags"? He clearly doesn't blame the Saints and has a good relationship with them. They even gave him a Super Bowl ring and he wasn't even playing when they won. Do the right thing by him. It's his life and his choices.

I am not terribly eloquent. I in NO WAY am saying that Gregg Williams is exempt of his responsibility in these terrible acts. He knew it was wrong and did not stop. I think criminal charges might be in order for him. Nor am I saying that football isn't brutal. I don't think the NFL should be a flag football league. I just think there is a right way to do things. Make sure players are well educated about injury and long term effects. Take care of the players upon retirement. The NFL makes billions every year. Take care of the players that got you there.

Ultimately, in this game of football, it is the choice of the players. To a certain extent, they know the consequences of the daily physical beatings their bodies take. Does that mean the NFL has a responsibility to keep the Bounty gate from happening again? Yes. Does it mean the NFL needs to regulate illegal hits? Yes. I have never wished an injury on a player. In fact, I'm on record saying that Peyton Manning should not play. When he does, he will have a GIGANTIC bulls eye on his back. I would rather see him retire in honor than leave the field on a stretcher. Lots of people have said that will never happen. I know  his injury. Trust me, one hit to the ground and it won't be pretty.This Pamphilon guy has questionable intentions. (personally I thought his statement sounded a little star struck). To him I would say: Honor your agreements.

MDK in the House

P.S. Terrance "Potroast" Knighton we are hoping you are better soon and have a full recovery.

Bounty? The Quicker Picker Upper?

I hope y'all are enjoying this blog. Please feel free to comment. I've actually been getting some requests on what I should write about. I try to keep this blog relatively light and fun with a dash of a girl's perspective. I might've done a little too much "Luck Hating", but who cares.
Gregg Williams. Bounty System? In this day and age of injury ridden retirees, I'm a little surprised you went there. Apparently I shouldn't be. They are connecting him with Bounty situations at Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills. But thankfully his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars was uneventful. You have to wonder why he only lasted 1 year in Jacksonville. Did he try his Boba Fett routine here? Was it not encouraged? That's not surprising. Jacksonville tries to keep a squeaky clean facade. Now whether it's actually squeaky clean can be up for debate.
To me it's really amazing with all of the light on injuries in the NFL, that a successful D-Coordinator kept a Bounty System going that supposedly created season ending and career ending events for players. Isn't that a bit narcissistic? He's such a GREAT Defensive Coordinator that he had to use cash incentives so players would give a little extra and end up ruining other players lives? And what if opposing players did the same against him and his team? I'm also surprised given the light that has been on Steve Gleason, a former Saints Defensive player, who has been diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Presumably from taking and delivering brutal hits. His website http://www.teamgleason.org/ is worth reading. He was also showcased on the pre-game Super Bowl Show this year. I think of something a wise person said: You never know how the things you do today, can have an impact on others in the future. Should Gregg Williams continue to coach? I'm sure Jeff Fisher won't mind the brutality on his team this year.
But truly the most surprising idea of all, is that some are reporting Drew Brees knew about it. Come on. I'm always "down" for some Conspiracy. I can't (or won't) see it. Brees is Vice-President NFL Players Association Executive Committee and former player representative. And some people are calling for full disclosure on what he knew. How can we assume he knew?
I wrote this post awhile back. Today, Gregg Williams has been suspended from the NFL indefinitely. Sean Payton has been suspended for a year. WOW. That's pretty harsh. However, nothing compared to all the hits delivered, ended seasons, and ended careers.

MDK in the House