I thought the NFL would pay a heavy price last season when evidence that the league suppressed information linking concussions and dementia began to spread. I wasn't thinking so much of the cost of lawsuits -- which are ongoing -- but a more significant slippage in public opinion.
I was wrong. At least for now. The side that contends "Players know it's a dangerous game, big deal" -- true enough but an incomplete examination of the facts -- is winning for now. When a likable Hall of Famer like Tony Dorsett talks about his condition, it generates some sympathy, but it mostly vanishes when the next opportunity to see and hear shoulder pads popping arrives.
But if fans are willing to give the league a pass on its inhumanity toward its own players, what about the pass the league gives players on their disrespect toward women? Given the millions of women who watch the sport, isn't the NFL mindlessly and needlessly going down a slippery slope here?
The Ray Rice story is the biggest of the offseason in this category although it is, unfortunately, not the only tale of NFL-related domestic or sexual assault. By now you know that Rice, captured on grainy video dragging his unconscious fiancee out of a casino hotel elevator after a fight, received a two-game suspension for this incident.
His apology, the fact the couple went ahead and got married and the fact the New Jersey courts allowed him to avoid prosecution by cutting a deal enabled the league to minimize the suspension for a once-popular running back who has been an outstanding but is probably now a declining player.
It's appalling.
Let's put it this way: There has been no indication that the Baltimore Ravens will do anything but welcome Rice back with open arms. The same is true in Carolina, where defensive end Greg Hardy -- set to make $13.1 million this season -- was found guilty on counts of assault against his ex-girlfriend and threatening her life.
In that case, there's a more direct connection to the rap world than simply listening to lyrics or watching videos. Court documents said Hardy was upset with his girlfriend for an affair she had with Nelly.
Hardy is appealing the guilty verdict. Panthers GM Dave Gettleman said, in following the NFL's lead, the team will "respect the legal process" and exact no punishment of its own.
But of course.
Our most popular game can get away with this stuff if it chooses to. At least it can for a while. But all sports encounter peaks and valleys in their popularity over time. Just because ratings remain high, it doesn't mean fans are entirely satisfied with the product.
The concussion issue is always going to be a difficult one for a violent collision sport. There is no way around that, and I think the league -- after dragging its feet for years -- has moved in the right direction on that front.
But there's nothing difficult about sending a message that violence against women is unforgivable. Goodell chose not to do that in the Ray Rice case. But, who knows, maybe he was busy trying to pick a city for the 2015 draft.
Sports on 07/28/2014