Roger Goodell: No Spine

by , Nation of Islam Sportsblog

As Roger Goodell decides what to do about Michael Vick's situation, we can't help wonder: What is taking so long?

Goodell wasted little time in trampling the normal formality of due process in his suspension of Pacman Jones. Not bothering to wait for full disclosure of the facts in the accusations against Jones, and certainly not bothering to wait for adjudication.

What's the hold up with Vick? Suspend him already, Commissioner, you've set the precedent. You've made it clear that you don't care about the individual right of innocence until proven guilty.

Forget about Vick's importance to the Falcon's franchise. Forget that his not playing will drastically change expectations for the Falcon's season.

Those things would only matter if, in reality, the supposed discipline program Goodell enacted was nothing but lip service meant to appease that segment of fans that were developing a negative perception of the NFL based on the off field issues of a handful of players.

The time has come for Goodell to act. And the only suitable action is to suspend Vick and do it right now.

The only other alternative is to admit that he made a mistake in not allowing the courts to decide the players' fates.

And if that is case, then Goodell must remove the suspension and allow Pacman to take a leave of absence. Give him his paychecks and let the courts decide his disposition.

Goodell's action last week in cutting the suspension of Jared Allen in half opens the door. He has already shown that without a good reason, he is willing to reduce suspension time. So, with his personal reputation (and that of his discipline program) clearly at stake, only one move is acceptable:

Set Pacman Free.