The more I think about Deflategate, the more I realize the issue is larger than unaltered footballs losing some PSI in January in New England. We probably wouldn't be inundated with more Deflategate stories if Goodell would put away his ruler. However, another NFL off season is going to be spent saying "balls" to the entertainment of pre-teen boys everywhere, but we won't be referring to footballs.
The ramifications of Deflategate are going to be felt for years. However, they probably will be most volatile and intrusive when negotiations begin for the new CBA around 2020. You see Roger Goodell recently let us know Tom Brady's punishment wasn't about an actual infraction (Of which there is no proof of guilt) but of The inflation of Goodell's balls.
The ramifications of Deflategate are going to be felt further than the mockery Goodell has made being commissioner of the most popular sport. You see Article 46 in the hands of someone who truly cared about the reputation of the NFL would be honored, revered, and respected. Article 46 in the hands of someone with integrity wouldn't be the first item on the table when negotiations start.
Instead Article 46 will probably be the catalyst for another volatile negotiation between the NFLPA and NFL. Goodell's actions are going to neuter future commissioners. When the future Greg Hardys and the Ray Rices of the NFL stand before any commissioner AGSU (After Goodell's Screw Ups), they will face a commissioner emasculated by Goodell.
Who is going to suffer?
The fans who will wonder if a CBA will be reached. The unprecedented Article 46 will be tightly held by the NFL because they won't want to cede the power. The NFLPA will be seeking fairness and accountability of which there currently isn't any.
The children with dreams. Tom Brady was once beloved. His Cinderella story was embraced by every athlete dreaming of their own fairy tale. The 199th pick gets a chance to play a few games. His drive and determination kept him under center and propel him to the Hall of Fame.
The parents. Every parent who has ever wanted to believe their child is capable of greatness. Every parent who deals with a coach who tells their child they aren't good enough. Once upon a time they could have told the story of Tom Brady and how no one believed in him, but he believed in himself.
The stereotype of the dumb jock. Goodell's message is science doesn't matter. Football is more important and doesn't follow the rules as science dictates them. Science has no place in football.
Teachers. Everyone who has spent time and money on educating children. The idea what they learn in school will transcend to their adult life.
The players who will play in fear of when the target may hit their back. Rest assured if you are a child abuser, woman abuser, drug addict, or drunk you probably can breath easy. After all these actions are expected of professional athletes. If you are a mostly stand-up guy who doesn't have more than a speeding ticket to your name, then you had better fear the Commissioner.
The reality is if Goodell had the balls he believes he does, he would concede the science proves there was no tampering. He was wrong. A man is capable of identifying when he is wrong and admitting it. Goodell keeps digging in and proving deflated balls weren't a one-time occurrence is January 2015. The natural deflation which took place in the winter in New England wasn't caused by any person. Goodell's current inflation problem is all on him.
There is no coming back from this for Goodell. As a football fan I am tired of paying the price for his buffoonery. As a female fan, I am tired of being disrespected by the League. As an intelligent person, I am tired of the League continuing the trope of sports and brains don't coincide. As a human being, I hate the downward spiral society is taking.
My love of football wanes every off season. Especially when the League has plenty of other ambassadors for the stereotypes. The League doesn't need Goodell to perpetuate the stupid.
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