Redskins, Cowboys could go “nuclear” over cap mess

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by HoopheadVII

In this case, the cop is saying, "I have the authority to arrest you for reckless driving, but I'm just going to give you the lesser punishment for speeding even if the speeding laws were under review at the time."

That said, there's probably no point in pursuing this analogy further. It's getting pretty farfetched.

But see, now this is where I like jdlea's analogy...

Even if there was wrong-doing (obviously not legal wrong-doing) wouldn't the punishment have to be stated in some kind of agreement or law? Isn't that a totally arbitrary punishment? I've said this before, basically other teams did "sketchy" things and got no punishment AND the rest of the league got a reward.

Now, in the end if we're just expected to accept Goodell as king and be done with it, that's a WHOLE bigger problem.

[HoopheadVII]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

But see, now this is where I like jdlea's analogy...

Even if there was wrong-doing (obviously not legal wrong-doing) wouldn't the punishment have to be stated in some kind of agreement or law? Isn't that a totally arbitrary punishment? I've said this before, basically other teams did "sketchy" things and got no punishment AND the rest of the league got a reward.

Now, in the end if we're just expected to accept Goodell as king and be done with it, that's a WHOLE bigger problem.

I'd suggest you read the NFL Bylaws. The Commissioner has strong powers and broad authority. Everything he can't do alone he can do with 24 votes.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by HoopheadVII

I'd suggest you read the NFL Bylaws. The Commissioner has strong powers and broad authority. Everything he can't do alone he can do with 24 votes.

No way this can precede arbitration. I just have a hard time believing anyone even SEMI-neutral can agree with what he did. Was it within his rights? Maybe. Should an arbitrator side with the NFL? Evidence would suggest in the Redskins and Cowboys favor.

[HoopheadVII]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

No way this can precede arbitration. I just have a hard time believing anyone even SEMI-neutral can agree with what he did. Was it within his rights? Maybe. Should an arbitrator side with the NFL? Evidence would suggest in the Redskins and Cowboys favor.

Arbitration is a process outlined in the CBA, and the CBA is involved only because Goodell wanted to modify the salary cap.

If he had taken away draft picks, arbitration wouldn't be a option. They would have to sue - and they won't do that.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by HoopheadVII

Arbitration is a process outlined in the CBA, and the CBA is involved only because Goodell wanted to modify the salary cap.

If he had taken away draft picks, arbitration wouldn't be a option. They would have to sue - and they won't do that.

Sure, but just like I said before, it's a forest-for-the-trees situation and if the neutral party has any sense, we win.

Details be damned, there is just too much evidence in our favor. Goodell's power has no bearing when we go to arbitration. The arbitrator makes all decisions regardless of NFLPA/Goodell's power.

[HoopheadVII]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

Sure, but just like I said before, it's a forest-for-the-trees situation and if the neutral party has any sense, we win.

Details be damned, there is just too much evidence in our favor. Goodell's power has no bearing when we go to arbitration. The arbitrator makes all decisions regardless of NFLPA/Goodell's power.

And even if the arbitrator says, "you can't modify the CBA even though you followed the correct procedure for modifying the CBA" and the salary cap is restored, the Commissioner could still turn around and take away draft picks.

Or he could take a closer look at Gregg Williams' time with the 'Skins and decide they should lose a draft pick for that.

Or he could come up with something else and take draft picks away for that too.

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by HoopheadVII

And even if the arbitrator says, "you can't modify the CBA even though you followed the correct procedure for modifying the CBA" and the salary cap is restored, the Commissioner could still turn around and take away draft picks.

Or he could take a closer look at Gregg Williams' time with the 'Skins and decide they should lose a draft pick for that.

Or he could come up with something else and take draft picks away for that too.

Or he could decide to not do anything because then it would definitly be an arguement the Skins were being singled out, not that they don't have the arguement now since others who spent money didn't get punished and others who failed to meet the CAP floor didn't get punished.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by HoopheadVII

And even if the arbitrator says, "you can't modify the CBA even though you followed the correct procedure for modifying the CBA" and the salary cap is restored, the Commissioner could still turn around and take away draft picks.

Or he could take a closer look at Gregg Williams' time with the 'Skins and decide they should lose a draft pick for that.

Or he could come up with something else and take draft picks away for that too.

Isn't that what you were saying earlier about not wanting to get into a legal battle?

If THAT happens, then ALL hell breaks lose. How far do you go back? Just the Skins? If so, then aren't you obviously singling them out without regard to Buffalo, Tennessee, etc. (very similar to the cap situation) That is a gigantic can of worms that I don't think even Goodell is prepared to open.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by HoopheadVII

And even if the arbitrator says, "you can't modify the CBA even though you followed the correct procedure for modifying the CBA" and the salary cap is restored, the Commissioner could still turn around and take away draft picks.

Or he could take a closer look at Gregg Williams' time with the 'Skins and decide they should lose a draft pick for that.

Or he could come up with something else and take draft picks away for that too.

And this is the basis of why MANY people, fans and media included, thinks this cannot stand.