Goodell talked out of suspending TO?

[sfphillyfan]

from Sports by Brooks:

NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger had some interesting comments this week on Dave Smith's Sporting News Radio show about the NFL's decision not to suspend Terrell Owens for spitting in the face of Falcons DB DeAngelo Hall last Sunday.

Baldinger claimed that one factor in the NFL's decision not to force Owens to take a T.O. on the field is that the Cowboys are playing Owens former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, in an upcoming Christmas day game. (listen / mp3)

Baldinger: "There was grounds for suspension, no question about it. It's just that Terrell Owens plays on Christmas Day against his nemesis, the Philadelphia Eagles and I think (NFL Commissioner) Roger Goodell was talked out of suspending him for that reason.

"The whole country, if they are going to tune in to watch football on Christmas, that's what they are going to tune in to (see). They're going to tune in to another chapter of the T.O. show.

"There's no way they're going to take him off the field for this game on Christmas day, no way. Why are people going to tune in on Christmas? Why are you going to stop unpacking gifts to tune into NFL football ... they're not going to remove a part of the puzzle there, we pay to watch the stars, and that's what he is."

That really does give me a warm feeling during this holiday season, knowing that a man can spit in someone's face and get away with it, because the NFL needs an impending T.O. trainwreck to drag me away from tearing open another tie rack.

[Azures]

Sickening...

[balto-eaglefan]

Yep, it's sick. And controversy sells. I saw a commercial for the game, guess who appeared three times?

[tinopuno]

What the hell is the matter with Goodell? I thought this guy had a pair! Has he turned his back on Bert Bell's original intent in naming the league?!

NFL = NO FACIAL LUNGERING

[FRESH]

IF true, it's misguided. This game is plenty of a draw without Owens. It's for first place in the NFC East amont tow bitter division rivals. If having TO on the field increases teh draw, it's not to a significant amount. The NFL should have more confidence in the quality of their product.

[PhillyJack]

and I think (NFL Commissioner) Roger Goodell was talked out of suspending him for that reason.

Disagree with Baldinger.

Goodell followed the precendents set by those who have spat in the face of others. Nobody has ever gotten a suspension. Why would the NFL start now?

Baldinger was simply giving us his opinion. He just pulled that out of his arse with absolutely no proof, or even heresay that TO should have been suspended.

[jmuCJ]

Baldinger is an idiot, and I don't necessarily believe him.

[reesecal]

i agree with the last 2 people.

there was no grounds for suspension - the last 2 guys who did this only got fines.

and baldinger is a moron.

--

make a rule in the offseason that spit = suspension. but you can't throw it out now.

[leifdawg]

If that's true, it's fucking rediculous.

[NoDakIggle]

personally, I think the POS should have been suspended but I have to agree with others that there is no precedent for it. Baldinger doesn't offer any inside info for his claim and, in fact, says he "thinks" Goodell..... Strictly speculation IMO.

[reesecal]

thats funny that baldinger of the nfl-owned nfl-network is saying this ...

[saratoga]

just his speculation; couldn't TO have appealed a suspenion and played anyway?

[Tokar]

I dont discount Baldy's take.

However, if you look at the past incidents in the NFL with a player spitting on another player, only one resulted in a suspension...but the suspension came from the coach (Jeff Fischer on Lendale White). All the others came with heavy fines, no suspensions.

[Jukin]

I doubt there was any consideration given to the TV ratings. The league just signed the contract there's no way this would be remembered when the next deal is made. Besides if he had suspended him it would have added to the drama since TO would have appealed and played against the Eagles and the announcers would have had another TO related topic to discuss during the game. This is bullshit speculation and should be treated as such.