If you've turned on a television, opened a newspaper, or browsed the Internet this week, you've seen what many are calling the worst week in the National Football League's 94 year history. Domestic violence and child abuse littered what has become North America's dominant sporting industry. Stars of the league such as Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy have found themselves dealing with personal issues that have prevented them from playing the game the love. Their actions have painted the NFL in a negative light, and left the league to deal with it. But when the NFL needed him most, commissioner Roger Goodell stood behind a podium, defiantly defended his actions, and weaseled his way out of trap questions. He is taking the coward's way out, despite being caught with his hand in the cookie jar and crumbs around his lips. Evidence continues to pile on and indicate that he tried to conceal a scandal that he felt would, and eventually did, lead to public outrage. He stands with a smug smile on his face, daring reporters to catch him if they can.
Many are calling for Goodell's head, such as famous sports reporter Keith Olbermann and National Organization for Women president Terry O'Neill. The commissioner appears to have bitten off more than he can chew, and would seem to be on his way out. However, this may not be as likely as some think. In his press conference, Goodell claims he never thought of resigning. The league's 32 owners could vote to force him out, but with all the money Goodell has brought in for them, this route is also unlikely. An independent investigation has been launched into the handling of the Ray Rice ordeal. But those charged with overseeing the investigation? The Rooney and Marra families, owners of the Steelers and Giants, both of whom are considered close friends with Goodell. The greed and corruption of the NFL will continue to rule the sport as long as seats are filled and TV deals are signed.
Nonetheless, one group of people have reaped the benefits of the NFL's nightmare week. What group am I referring to? The NBA.
Adam Silver, commissioner of the NBA better known for his role as Doctor Evil in the Austin Powers movies, has to be ecstatic about the way the NFL has acted in the past 10 days. Silver has his own matters to attend to, no doubt. But the NBA has escaped the spotlight that it so richly deserves.
No one can forget the turbulence Donald Sterling brought to the NBA with his racially charged comments and ensuing battle to hold on to his ownership of the Los Angeles Clippers. In the past weeks, the NBA was again struck by racial comments. Atlanta Hawks controlling owner Bruce Levenson has decided to sell the team after his racially charged email was made public. Additionally, Hawks GM Danny Ferry was heard on a conference call making degrading remarks about small forward Luol Deng, and has since stepped down. The Hawks situation has brought to light the depth of racial issues in the NBA. In any of the other 51 weeks of the year, these ignorant remarks would be the top story on Sportscenter. Nevertheless, Silver and the NBA have managed to hide behind the issues plaguing the NFL. The NBA has done no more than the NFL to amend the current problems within their respective organizations, but by avoiding the spotlight, they have benefited greatly. Somewhere, Adam Silver wears an evil grin, pinky in his mouth, plotting his next move to promote the NBA and destroy Austin Powers.
The truth remains that where there are sports, there are scandals. The MLB deals with steroid use. The NBA fights racism. The NFL struggles with abuse issues. The NHL battles irrelevance. The popularity of sports thrusts these leagues into spotlight that sometimes can prove too bright to mask the corruption. The NFL will not suffer much, as 86% of fans in a recent poll say they will still intently watch on and root for their favorite team. These corporations will continue to thrive as long as the on-field product performs and the fans continue to support it. However, if the leagues that should be supplying role models continues to provide us with bad examples and heart-breaking scandals, the clock may run out sooner than they would like to think.
No comments:
Post a Comment