Quote:
Originally Posted by 2BIG2BSKINNY
That is exactly the point! Show me the rule and the punishment and the idiot is gone!!! But the thing is purely subject to interpretation.
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As Hog1 said, the Commissioner determines the rules:
ARTICLE VIII: CLUB DISCIPLINE
Section 1. Maximum Discipline:
For the 2006 League Year, the following maximum discipline schedule will be applicable: … Conduct detrimental to Club—maximum fine of an amount equal to one week’s salary and/or suspension without pay for a period not to exceed four (4) weeks. This maximum applies without limitation to any deactivation of a player in response to player conduct (other than a deactivation in response to a player’s onfield playing ability), and any such deactivation, even with pay, shall be considered discipline subject to the limits set forth in this section. The Non-Injury Grievance Arbitrator’s decision in Terrell Owens (Nov. 23, 2005) is thus expressly overruled as to any Club decision to deactivate a player in response to the player’s conduct.
ARTICLE XI: COMMISSIONER DISCIPLINE
Section 1. League Discipline: Notwithstanding anything stated in Article IX (Non-Injury Grievance): (a) All disputes involving a fine or suspension imposed upon a player for conduct on the playing field other than as described in Subsection (b) below,
or involving action taken against a player by the Commissioner for conduct detrimental to the integrity of, or public confidence in, the game of professional football, will be processed exclusively as follows: the Commissioner will promptly send written notice of his action to the player, with a copy to the NFLPA. Within twenty (20) days following such written notification, the player affected thereby, or the NFLPA with the player’s approval, may appeal in writing to the Commissioner.
NFL Players Association - CBA - CBA Amended 2006
Pacman had the right to contest his sanction but withdrew his appeal, accepted the sanction and, after meeting with the Commissioner, agreed to follow particular conduct guidelines in order to obtain reinstatement. He promptly disregarded the guidelines that HE AGREED TO and was subject to additional sanction.
You want to make excuses and say we don't understand the particular circumstances of his geographic location and the resultant media sensation he causes - fine. In any situation, there will be mitigating circumstances that explain the reason why someone acted badly. Explanation of the conduct does not excuse it.
Pacman was accused of violating league rules, did not contest the violation and then violated the specific conduct guidelines that would have allowed his reentry into the NFL.
He brought this on himself, there is no one else to blame, the explanation of the circumstances/conduct does not excuse the conduct and he was properly sanctioned.
He should practice for his new job requirements: Say it with me Mr. Jones - "Would you like fries with that?"
(BTW- isn't Pacman in Nashville? Perhaps there are a few country music stars who would disagree that Pacman is the only celebrity in town.)