The fine-happy NFL has struck again!
In a shocking move, NFL officials have issued a $10,000 fine to Roger Goodell after photographs surfaced featuring the commissioner speaking into a microphone that wasn't officially licensed for NFL usage.
League rules require the NFL logo to be prominently visible on all audio devices when official NFL business is being discussed.
The NFL released a statement this morning explaining their reasons for the fine. "It is conduct unbecoming of an NFL representative to be in a public forum, misrepresenting the league...The NFL strictly prohibits the usage of unlicensed audio devices on weekdays between nine in the morning and three in the afternoon."
Roger Goodell sent a letter to the league on officially licensed NFL stationery indicating his intention to appeal the decision.
"The rules on microphones are very vague. Language in Paragraph Three of Section 19.2 in Article XVIII specifically states that the microphone rule is null and void 'if the temperature in Hawaii is over 90 degrees on the day in question, during a year in which the groundhog has seen his shadow.'"
The league has rescinded fines in recent weeks, but there is no indication that they intend to bend in this situation. It's a message to the entire NFL—everybody pays.
It's an awkward and embarrassing situation for the commissioner to face after developing a sterling reputation as a strict enforcer of the NFL's rules and policies.
When the news broke, it was difficult to find any players willing to offer sympathy for Roger Goodell and his embarrassing episode.
Star running back for the Minnesota Vikings, Adrian Peterson was unable to hide his amusement when reporters informed him of the ruling.
"Was he really fined?" smirked Peterson. "Good. Oh wait! Am I going to get fined again for expressing my content? I wish the XFL was still around."
Peterson was recently penalized for a wardrobe malfunction when he receivied a $5,000 fine for wearing a white skull cap beneath his helmet. The league only approves of black skull caps with the official NFL logo.
Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver Hines Ward hoped that this fine would "wake [Goodell] up," to the "insanity behind their policies."
"It's ridiculous," declared Ward. "Most of the players have opened second bank accounts just to put cash aside for potential fines."
The NFL said Goodell has until Tuesday to officially submit his appeal, at which time they'll review it and decide if the fine should be rescinded. Until such time, they fully expect Goodell "to honor his duty as a representative of the NFL and pay up."
Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community. He is also the Community Leader for the New York Jets on Bleacher Report.
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about 1 month ago
lol. excelletn job. i chose the second option in the poll. potd for me.
about 1 month ago
finally, Roger Goodell gets a taste of his own medicine. LOL
about 1 month ago
I really wish this were real.
from about 1 month ago
Oh so do I!
Great article, hilarious, I might add.
5 Stars, POTD!!
about 1 month ago
loved it!
about 1 month ago
The Colts "misrepresenting a good NFL team"? I do agree that they are underrated, good might be a little lower then their level but with a 3rd straight victory, they might finally shed the incorrect title of "good" and advance to a more accurate term like "really good". Certainly better then NE and Pittsburgh if nothing else.
about 1 month ago
Since Goodell will never be able to afford this, I bet he moves into the Cabana with me. Maybe he can bunk with Brian Bozworth's Wasted Talent...
from about 1 month ago
wouldn't that be something? Roger Goodell maxes out credit card to pay fine?
about 1 month ago
It's not April is it? I find this to be amazing. Has a commissioner of a major sports league ever been fined? I really think the NFL has had the best commissioner's of any professional league. I do feel for the players, they should be allowed to celebrate and have some form of self expressions long as it does take away anything from the team. Maybe that's why there's so many tattoo's out there. Great subject to cover.
from about 1 month ago
chaz... you do know he was kidding, right?
from about 1 month ago
Jokes on me ~ must be the stress of the day ~ thanks Chris
from about 1 month ago
it is a humor piece, but you do bring up a good point. these guys shouldn't be stifled for the way they express themselves. the football field isn't the board room. there doesn't need to be such uptight professionalism. the new business model these days features successful companies that don't stifle the creative energy of their employees.
about 1 month ago
I think I hear "The Onion" calling....
from about 1 month ago
Oh, Lucky.. you have no idea how much I'd like to do stuff for The Onion. I've been told to give it a shot, as I have been responsible for some fake news pieces over the years... my most famous being starting a rumor about 50 Cent losing his hand in a car door.
about 1 month ago
Great job Angel. Very entertaining.
from about 1 month ago
Thank you, sir!
about 1 month ago
Wow, I actually thought this was true! At this point in the NFL, something like this would not surprise me. 5*'s, POTD!
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, that's the tragedy behind the satire. It shows just how out of hand the fines are. I was talking to my girlfriend about it today after I posted this. She's only starting to learn football since we've been together, but even she found it insane that Adrian Peterson was fined $5k for wearing a white skull cap instead of a black one.
thanks for the rating and the pick, eric!
about 1 month ago
chaz!! article in humor section!! lol
about 1 month ago
Special thanks to everyone that helped me get Pick of the Day! I never imagined this article would get such recognition!
about 1 month ago
I wouldn't be surprised if ESPN.com takes this "story" and runs it as a headline...
about 1 month ago
Nice, Angel. Sorry for not congratulating you on the Jets win last week. If there's anything remotely comparable to a Broncos win in excellence, it's seeing the Raiders and Patriots lose. In any case, if you have time, please read my Broncos/Falcons article.
about 1 month ago
Very funny. I especially can relate to Section 19.2 because it is the way I feel when I am trying to do my taxes.
about 1 month ago
I'm telling you, if it's not one audio problem, it's another! Great having you last Friday! And GREAT article!
about 1 month ago
this isnt even true...
from about 1 month ago
I might need to check with my sources and get back to you on that one.
about 1 month ago
Roger Goodel finaly sees the other side of being harsh. This is just pretty stupid in my opinion.
about 1 month ago
dang i thought this was true untill i started reading the comments.. durff
about 1 month ago
The mark of a good writer is one who stirs up a bit of controversy. You're a agood writer, man. Todd
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the compliment, Todd. I really appreciate that.
about 1 month ago
The mark of a good writer is one who stirs up a bit of controversy. You're a agood writer, man. Todd
about 1 month ago
Sorry. Itchy trigger finger, I guess.
about 1 month ago
hey, angel. Classic article here. 5 stars.
Let me know about this humor sample:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/83208-sports-celebrity-death-match
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