Rivera's Asutute Observation: "...Make Sure This Never Happens Again."

[YourManInAmsterdam]

So, Rivera said something that I don't think is getting enough attention in his press conference from 17 September:

 

"In all honesty, we’re worried about the wrong types of things. We’re trying to figure out who we need to blame. We don’t need to blame people, we need to find answers and corrections and make things right for people, and this is what this really should be about. I’ve been up and talked about this on and on and on, and I really just hope people understand we’re doing the best we can under the circumstances that we have and we’re trying to get this right. And at the end of the day, we have to come up with solutions to make that this does not happen again."

I think Rivera's said something particularly profound here, and it seems largely ignored.

Obviously, it is important to set proper disciplinary policies in place in order deal with issues like this in the future.

But it seems to me that our Head Coach is actually interested in preventing occurrences like this.

And shouldn't that actually be the focus?

We can punish people like Greg Hardy, Ray Rice, and Adrian Peterson all we want.

But will that actually change anything?

Violence against women and children is something we need to address at a cultural level. But given that the NFL is such a huge part of American culture, doesn't it seem logical that the NFL help lead the way?

It may be a pipe dream, but it seems to make sense.

And I for one applaud Ron for actually saying something of substance rather than going through the clichés.

[B.BERSIN]

I think you have a good point but I'm just tired of reading such threads...

[Vagrant]

The way to cause a person predisposed to violence from acting upon those violent impulses is to have an awareness of the repercussions of those actions. Previously to the three cases you mentioned, the punishments were not nearly enough either socially or by the determination of the league to make any significant impact on behavior. We live in one of the most lenient on the rich and hard on the poor countries in the world from a justice system standpoint. Thomas Davis posted some statistics about the members of Congress that was actually really profound regarding the number of domestic abuses, driving under the influence, and other socially problematic behaviors that those men and women were responsible. 

 

When a wave of consciousness comes and the public demands harsher stances, there are going to be a few that are singled out seemingly unfairly as the new protocol becomes an established part of how cases are to be viewed from that point forward. The NFL is screwing this up big time by making everything so murky and indefinite. There needs to be a clear protocol for how these situations are handled. From the moment that the DA decides to pursue charges, there needs to be an open dialogue with the player, the team, and the league about how to proceed. Once a verdict is rendered, there needs to be further action. If Guilty, there needs to be a protocol in place. If Not Guilty, restitution of any pay missed or fines related to absence dropped. If there are no grounds to appeal, suspension will be effective immediately. I know that not all cases are as clear cut, but right now it seems like Goodell is standing with his hands out to his public relations department screaming "Somebody PLEASE tell me what to do!", and nobody is giving him a satisfactory answer and he's a coward for not making the call on his own.

 

But back to the main point, it's going to look like a witch hunt against the players while this new protocol is sorted out but it's not. The public has demanded that we remove people who commit acts of violence against women and children out of the game as proportionate to the severity of the incident. That's a step in the proper direction. I can't be mad at the movement because it's one that needs to happen. I can't be mad that Hardy put himself in such a dumb position to make this issue apply to him. You just have to let the process play out and invest in players who are good citizens off the field as well as talented football players. That becomes even more a point of emphasis. It used to not be even remotely a consideration because it was such a light slap on the wrist even if your player was found guilty. That's progress.

[Paa Langfart]

Rivera needs to concentrate of winning football games and stop worrying about peripheral bullshit like this

[SmootsDaddy89]

#ronsdeepthoughts

[ickmule]

Rivera needs to concentrate of winning football games and stop worrying about peripheral bullshit like this

And he could if the bull$hit media would STFU.

[5158Poundin]

It's not a peripheral issue when there are reverberations throughout the league and change is needed.  

 

Rivera has it right and I respect the man even more.  What do we do to change things socially to prevent it and help those who need the help.  

 

It's going to be a painful process as Goodell is flailing and doesn't know (seemingly) how to correct this.  It can not be solely focussed on punishment and actions taken - there needs to be a proactive process put into place to prevent this and provide help or counseling to get it right.

[B.BERSIN]

Rivera needs to concentrate of winning football games and stop worrying about peripheral bullshit like this

 

Actually he dont have choice, he has to answer those bullshit questions of media. That said, he still focuses on the football things.

[frash.exe]

Good Guy Ron helping out