-
Obama’s Declaration of Political War
January 22, 2013 | 94 comments
-
Hagel’s Problem? He’s ‘Mainstream’
January 14, 2013 | 66 comments
-
Understanding the Norway Massacre
July 25, 2011 | 225 comments
-
Run, Rudy, Run
June 10, 2011 | 116 comments
-
The Wussification of America, NFL-Style
December 29, 2010 | 101 comments
Another Perspective
Dereliction of Coaching Duty
A call to suspend Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan.
With Commissioner Roger Goodell at the helm, the National Football League has made a concerted effort to protect players from concussions and other debilitating injuries. Thus there have been rule changes that penalize head-first hits. And this year, the NFL suspended several New Orleans Saints players and coaches — including the head coach, Sean Payton — for instituting a pay-for-performance or “bounty” system, which allegedly encouraged rule-breaking.
I think the punishment of the Saints was wrong and inappropriate. If a coach or player violates the rules of the game, then of course punish that coach or player. But the bounty system encouraged hard-fought football within the rules of the game; it did not contribute to rule-breaking per se.
In any case, if the NFL is serious about protecting its players, then it will immediately suspend Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan for his gross dereliction of (coaching) duty in Sunday’s NFC wildcard game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Shanahan played a seriously and manifestly injured 22-year-old rookie quarterback, Robert Griffin III, long after it had become obvious to everyone that Griffin was completely ineffective and at risk of suffering a season- or career-ending injury. In so doing, Shanahan showed reckless disregard for the health and well-being of his star quarterback. If that doesn’t warrant a suspension, then I’m not sure what does.
Griffin suffered a sprained lateral collateral ligament Dec. 9 against the Baltimore Ravens. He missed a game the following week against the Cleveland Browns, but then came back to play the final two regular season games and Sunday’s wildcard playoff game.
But Griffin never fully healed; and he aggravated his injury in Sunday’s game. Indeed, according to the Washington Post, an MRI exam of Griffin’s right knee suggests that he “has suffered partial tears of his anterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments [ACL], according to several people with knowledge of the test results.”
This is a big deal, especially for a quarterback (such as Griffin) whose stunning success is dependent in large part upon his explosive speed.
Griffin suffered a torn ACL in the same knee in 2009, while in college, the Post reports. And now he faces the prospect of “exploratory surgery to determine the extent of the damage and whether the injuries are new.”
The bottom line: Griffin may well miss some of the 2013 season because of his aggravated injuries. But even if Griffin returns to play every game next year, will he be the same phenomenal athlete that he was previously? Will he possess the same superior physical gifts that he had prior to getting injured?
Maybe, but maybe not. In any case, why risk it? Griffin has (or at least had) a long career ahead of him. Why risk that career for a quarter or two of futile and losing football?
What should Shanahan have done? Simple: take Griffin out of the game at half-time, when it became obvious to all that the 22-year-old rookie could no longer compete effectively and was a bad injury waiting to happen.
Shanahan and his apologists say he couldn’t have done that because Griffin wanted to play badly and had earned the benefit of the doubt. Moreover, they argue, the code of professional football demands that players play hurt.
Nonsense. Griffin’s burning desire to play is admirable; and that, no doubt, helps make him the great player that he is. But that’s also why football has checks and balances in the form of a head coach: to protect players from themselves. To say no when a player doesn’t want to say no, but wisdom demands that he stand down.
Let’s be clear: Shanahan is the head coach of the Washington Redskins. As such, he is the captain of the ship, the commander of his squad. What he says goes, period. That’s just how it is in football, and everyone who’s ever played the game knows it.
Indeed, it’s an ironclad rule of the sport taught to eight-year-old boys, high-school students, and college athletes: Coach decides; it’s his team; he knows what’s best. And he decides who plays — and who doesn’t.
About the Author
John R. Guardiano blogs at www.ResCon1.com, and you can follow him on Twitter: @ResCon1.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (102) | Leave a comment
More Articles by John R. Guardiano
More Articles From Another Perspective
http://spectator.org/archives/2013/01/08/dereliction-of-coaching-duty
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
Current Issue
- Her Unrequited Letter
- Ailes: A Voice for the Silent Majority
- Inside the Gates of Eden
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
benny havens| 1.8.13 @ 6:33AM
There are three things that don’t last.
Dogs that chase cars, Pro golfers that put for par and pro quarterbacks that think they can do it all by themselves and run with the ball.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin| 1.8.13 @ 7:04AM
I hate to say this but it occurred to me earlier in the season that Kirk Cousins looked spectacular when he came in and took over a game that was flaying and took control and won it with a coolness I had not observed in RG3.
Then Cousins took the Redskins took a smooth looking victory over the Browns.
I was somewhat surprised to see RG3 return so soon after those two showings.
Yesterday, on the Washington news outlets, the news casters were telling the public, that although the Redskins lost, RG3 would be back and for that we should be grateful. That wasn't on just one local channel but several.
I ascribe it to simple racial politics which in DC is business as usual.
Another example of this standard can be observed on the front page of the Post today as the Post whines about the fact that Hagel and Brennan aren't women and where are the women to fill Obama's cabinet.
Oh that diversity is so destructive. But liberals run to it when it fails and excuse it when it fails.
fmm| 1.8.13 @ 11:09AM
Can anyone say San Francisco?
CJW| 1.8.13 @ 7:04AM
The responsibility to suspend or fire Shanahan rests with the owners of the Skins, and not the NFL.
Bob Grant| 1.8.13 @ 7:37AM
Yes...
CJW| 1.8.13 @ 7:48AM
Many players play with injuries when they probably should not. On the Steelers, Ben Roethsliberger, Troy Polamula, James Harrison, and others have played with injuries the past two years. This is probably true for most teams. If Griffin had not become a celebrity this would not be an issue.
Brubaker| 1.8.13 @ 8:24AM
You evidently did not watch the game. RG3 did play injured during the final two games of the regular season, and he led the team to victories. During Sunday's game against Seattle, he wasn't merely injured, he was crippled. He was a QB attempting to play with just one leg, barely able to walk, unable to set up to pass and completely unable to run (hobbling toward the sideline doesn't count).
I'm a huge fan of RG3. He returned excitement to Redskin football and the promise of many years of highly competitive play. That is, he did, but perhaps no longer. His stellar career may have been cut short by the mindless indecisiveness of Shanahan.
CJW| 1.8.13 @ 8:34AM
Saw parts of the game, he should have not played, but have seen the same with many other players. Did you ever see Terry Bradshaw play? Roethsliberger has played on one leg, with bruised ribs, bad shoulder, etc. They want to play, and the coaches let them play. Mabye players should refuse to play if they can't.
If it is that bad, then owners should fire Shanahan.
Many players come play after ACL surgery. He may not be able to run as he did before, but a quarterback should not be running as much as he did. Running quarterbacks do not last.
Miles Glorious| 1.8.13 @ 9:05AM
You ever here of Joe Nameth?
Brad| 1.8.13 @ 5:47PM
Joe NamEth? Never heard of him.
Joe NamAth, ot hte other hand...;)
Brad| 1.8.13 @ 5:48PM
ON THE, not OT HTE...
Miles Glorious| 1.8.13 @ 7:56PM
Thanks Brad for correction
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 9:38AM
OK, let's assume the worst case scenario:
RGIII never plays football again.
He'll be 23 years old, with $25 million dollars in the bank. How terrible.
Most of the kvetching about Shanahan's decision seems to be emanating from the Capital Beltway, with Redskins fans who are more concerned about W's and L's than with RGIII's health and welfare.
PREDICTION: He's young, strong, and healthy. He'll be the starting QB at week 1 of the 2013 season...
...and all this overwrought drama will be but a memory.
SUBVET| 1.8.13 @ 10:41AM
Dr. R....wonder if coach Gibbs had any input into this......I know what he would say and do.
This attitude today about not taking PERSONAL responsibility is inbread in our coulture. I was lucky to of had the pleasure to coach baseball for 14 years. The reason I decided to coach was because the coaches that were coaching my son were to put it mildly were selfish know it all's.
During the 14 yrs. I saw major abuse. Some times it was physical and other times mental. When you put your life in someones hands it can get very confusing as a player. I watched dad's [coaches and non coaches] do major damage.
As the player moves up the age bracket the pressure increases. In a high school playoff game I witnessed a coach leave a pitcher in the game throwing over 165 pitches. The coach was so intent on winning he didn't care about the player. In the end he lost the game. Now the player was injured and was out of the tournament.
At the pro level you would think more intervention would be evident and more back-up but I guess in the end it's about the $$$$.
spike59| 1.8.13 @ 9:52AM
During Sunday's game against Seattle, he wasn't merely injured, he was crippled. He was a QB attempting to play with just one leg, barely able to walk, unable to set up to pass and completely unable to run (hobbling toward the sideline doesn't count).
=======================
evidently, YOU didn't watch the game, except in your 'hyperbolically' (made up the word, to honor your made-up memory) charged imagination...barely able to walk? puh-leeeeeeze
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 9:59AM
Crippled?
Talk about hyperbole.
Cripples don't walk off the field unaided, or walk back onto the field for a post-game interview.
And actually, I watched most of the entire game.
Stormzeye| 1.8.13 @ 5:28PM
He wasn't crippled from taking a shower or giving an interview but he was definitely crippled from playing NFL championship football where every opponent is focused on his obvious injury and wants to cripple him on every play. Big difference.
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 6:50PM
So he was crippled before his shower, but not afterwards?
That makes sense...
Occam's Tool| 1.8.13 @ 10:43AM
RGIII wanted to play because he is a very fine young man. His adrenaline was also supercharged. That's when you need the counsel of old men, and Shanahan was an imbecile; i.e., a typical high school football coach.
Warrior| 1.8.13 @ 11:05AM
Ask Wally Pipp how sitting a game out worked for him. I think you'll need a seance at this point.
CJW| 1.8.13 @ 5:13PM
Wally who?
Warrior| 1.8.13 @ 6:03PM
Exactly.
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 6:54PM
Pip.
1st baseman for the New York Yankees in 1925.
He had a terrible headache one day before a game, so his Manager, Miller Huggins, told him to take a day off and rest.
Huggins said "We'll give that kid Gehrig a try..."
spike59| 1.9.13 @ 5:30AM
bottom line-had the Skins won, NOT ONE of you screeching nuts would even mention RGIII being hurt, except to praise him for 'taking one for the team'...he hobbled during the Cowboy game, and was less than stellar, but today's armchair quarterbacks and orthopedic surgeons were DEAD SILENT...
Bob Grant| 1.8.13 @ 9:30AM
True but the NFL should not get involved, nor should the player's union.
OP4| 1.8.13 @ 8:27AM
Yes... And reality has already suspended Shanahan from the remainder of the playoffs.
Von Mises Jr| 1.8.13 @ 9:52AM
I must disagree on the basis that the owner, Dan Snyder is not regarded as a nice guy from what I understand and is ultimately responsible to the League. Shanahan may not have made the decision to play RGIII, and even if he did, the team belongs to Snyder. If I own the company and you are my CEO, I ultimately decide the direction of the company and if you do not abide by my wishes, then you are no longer going to be CEO. And as an investor in a Franchise, I am responsible for my CEO.
But I think that we need to realize how duplicitous the liberals in DC and the National Football League ownership are. Obviously, they could not give a shit about the black kid. His career may be over, but I suspect that he will be back perhaps with less to offer in the future. But these same people in DC that are the first to call conservatives "racist," could only think about the fame and money involved in a Championship. The black kid be damned.
spike59| 1.8.13 @ 9:58AM
'the black kid be damned'....careful, your mask is slipping; that's the kind of turd-brained comment only a closeted or open lib would make
Von Mises Jr| 1.8.13 @ 10:36AM
I was referring to the decision by Snyder and Shanahan, spike. I've seen Randal Cunningham play many times and while I dispise the Eagles, he was incredible to watch. Back then, football could be watched for fun without being told you must root for McNabb or you are a "racist."
SUBVET| 1.8.13 @ 10:44AM
Ya just ask RUSH..........
spike59| 1.9.13 @ 5:36AM
sorry, NOT letting you off with a pass...find ANYTHING to hang your hat on that Snyder and/or Shanahan had any kind of 'the black kid be damned' thought processes going on and we'll talk; otherwise, you're just playing Al Sharpton here
SUBVET| 1.8.13 @ 10:49AM
VMJ......the bottom line is just because you are being paid to play doesn't mean they own your soul......and yes money is always part of the equation.
Von Mises Jr| 1.8.13 @ 11:51AM
It is the duplicity that liberals can exploit women and minorities, but let someone who believes in God, goes to Church and believes in the Constitution disagree with them and we are "sexist" and "racist."
I had enough of this stupidity.
Look at the things liberals say about Palin, Bachmann, Rubio or Clarence Thomas. Now they are after RGIII calling him a liar and blaming him for the DC loss.
Seek| 1.8.13 @ 3:18PM
Plenty of liberals go to church. And I know any number of conservatives who say RGIII shouldn't have played.
Seek| 1.8.13 @ 3:17PM
Never waste an opportunity to politicize a grievance -- as long as "liberals" can be made to look guilty, right?
Look, this wasn't a case of Left vs. Right. Coach Shanahan, possibly at the behest of owner Snyder, made a judgment call to keep Griffin in the game. The decision backfired but it was understandable. A lot quarterbacks through the years have played hurt, from Roethlisberger to Bradshaw to Brady. Joe Namath spent the second half of his career practically unable to walk yet he played.
As for this nonsense about "liberal racism," give me a break. The Left, if anything, loves blacks way too much. It's whites whose interests they oppose in the name of "social justice." Griffin isn't a victim of "racism," but of his own overly enthusiastic desire to win against better judgment.
JmsA| 1.8.13 @ 2:45PM
And doing so would only serve to undermine Shanahan's credibility and authority with the players.
JimH| 1.8.13 @ 7:49AM
One question is how many reps did Cousins get during the week leading up to the game? Giving him the bulk of the practice time would have provided RGIII a bit of rest, had Cousins better prepared and thus make the decision to play him an easier one should the possibility arise.
jaytrain| 1.8.13 @ 8:01AM
Why should anyone care about the future of one 20 something , when no one cares about an entire generation of 20 somethings living in their parents basement cripled by $16.5$ trillion in debt .
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 9:39AM
Good point.
Especially when you consider that this twenty-something is already a multi-millionaire.
Frank Drackman| 1.8.13 @ 8:35AM
John R. Guardiano(if that really is your name)
and if you're mobbed up, ummm I'm a big admirer of the contributions Italian-Americans have made to American Society, heck, I just enjoyed some great Macaroni & Cheese yesterday...
But when you wanta turn the National Football League into Everybody-Plays-Gets-a-Trophy-Suburban-Soccer, there's gonna be a fight.
Umm well not me, gotta watch that angina...
But I grew up watching Giants like Jack Lambert, Jack Tatum, Mike Webster(whatever happened to him?) and Andre the Giant..(next you'll be telling me Professional Wrestling is fake) and when LT snapped Joe Theisman's tib-fib like a candy cane, I LAUGHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cause I hate the Redskins(love the name, hate the fans)
its Football, it's not designed to be safe, thats what the Helmets and Pads are for.
So just go ahead, make it 2-hand touch, put a dress on the QB(HT Jack Tatum), and show a video of Daryl Stingley breaking his neck after every Personal Foul.
I'll be watching Steve McNair(whatever happened to him?) in Superbowl XXXIV
Frank "Hut Hut Hut" Drackman
Anthony| 1.8.13 @ 9:10AM
And speaking of wearing dresses, the Irish looked like a bunch of girls with their panties in a wad last night.
I think the Irish should have started their cheerleaders, and as Q.B., that hot babe who dates Bama's hotheaded Q.B. Clearly she's a gammer with a great open field ability.
Wow, talk about being overrated. The Tide rolled dem Jesuits like Obozo rolled Boehner.
So congrats to Frank and OT.
Mac & cheese eh? I hope it wasn't the Kraft variety.
Try Pene ai Quattro Formaggi. Now that's mac & chesse. See what wonders it's done for the New Jersey blimp of a governor.
Occam's Tool| 1.8.13 @ 10:47AM
My wife simply expected it. She says that one loses track of the number of National Championships 'Bama has won, it's so high....
By the way, Hoosiers, it's your next door neighbors (Kentucky) that date their cousins, not Alabamans. Too bad Cheesehead Jack wasn't playing for his fellow Irish Catholics last night...(you understand, I have no animus against any Catholics EXCEPT Cheesehead Jack)
Frank Drackman| 1.8.13 @ 10:51AM
Ummm did I miss the BCS title game last night???
Tuned to ESPN, but all they had was the Alabama Spring game, 1st string beating up on the backups, for some reason looked like the Scrubs were wearing Blue??? Gotta get the TV checked...
Frank
Anthony| 1.8.13 @ 2:38PM
Actually Frank, you were watching the wrong channel; you were watching Reality T.V., with some scrub of a pretend announcer, whose name was Mustyburger, drooling over Miss Bammy Red Tide.
I think Notre Dame has re-signed its national tv contract with the former Current T.V,. now called al Jezerra west.
It should accomodate all of the several hundred viewers wishing to see Irish football, and Algore will now be doing the play by play, with color commentary by Slick wee willie Clinton.
Slick Willie's first interview will be with the cheerleaders, and will be told to "put some ice on that".
markenoff| 1.8.13 @ 11:08AM
Since Alabama claims to have won 15 football national championships I can see why someone from Alabama would have trouble keeping track. Luckily they can count them using both hands and one bare foot.
My first marriage didn't work out because it was a mixed marriage. My wife was from KY and I'm not kin.
Jethro Beauregard| 1.8.13 @ 12:26PM
I'm from Bammy and I can count 1.2,3 4,6,15
Bob Grant| 1.8.13 @ 9:21AM
Drack,
Not one of your better comments. The slam on Theisman and Eyetallions was low-hanging fruit. I expect more from you.
I'm calling a personal foul, 15 yards for intentionally grounding a post.
Bob "calls 'em like he see's 'em" Grant
Bob Grant| 1.8.13 @ 9:23AM
sees
SUBVET| 1.8.13 @ 10:52AM
Mr. D you forgot roller derby.
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 9:34AM
This article is absurd.
We have officially become a nation of wussies.
The decision to play RGIII on Sunday is a decision between a coach, and his player - and that's it.
RGIII is neither a slave, nor an indentured servant. He's a HIGHLY paid professional athlete who was called on to do EXACTLY what he's paid for in a critical game - play football.
He doesn't strike me as a shrinking violet; had he been unable to play, or felt he was unable to play, he would have spoken up. Additionally, he must have been cleared by his team Doctor to play, or he never would have taken a snap.
The shock(!) expressed by writers and fans that a football player might actually get injured while playing football (GASP!) is hilarious, to say the least.
Suspend Shanahan? What an idiotic suggestion. If such a precedent were ever set, how would a coach ever feel safe? Where would he draw the line? Bruises? Stiff necks? Toe jams?
Or maybe the star players should NEVER actually play because, ya know...they might get hurt!!! They can just stand on the sidelines and wave to the fans, who will watch substandard players wearing RGIII jerseys.
spike59| 1.8.13 @ 9:56AM
thank you...finally, a voice of common sense
Anthony| 1.8.13 @ 10:34AM
Quite right DR. Does anybody remember Joe Willie Nameth and his wobbly knees?
Warrior| 1.8.13 @ 10:47AM
There is a league for the Guardiano's. It's called flag football. Guess what, knee injuries actually occur in those leagues also. Unfortunately, nobody is willing to pay to watch these games and the networks for some strange reason won't cover them either.
SUBVET| 1.8.13 @ 10:56AM
Doc..........and you were in the locker room to verify your rant.
Dr. of what may I ask..................
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 12:04PM
Psychiatry.
Frank Drackman| 1.8.13 @ 12:30PM
it figures
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 1:18PM
Your constant attempts at crude humor and your insatiable need for attention mask a deep-seeded insecurity...
...and none too well, I might add.
That diagnosis is worth about $500. The first one is a freebie.
Frank Drackman| 1.8.13 @ 5:25PM
Thats what your wife said,
"The first one's a freebie"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA what a burn, go write some Prozac Scrips, Shrink.
Frank "DSM2,3, 4, and 5" Drackman
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 7:00PM
DSM-V has not been formally approved yet, Shecky.
Oh, yeah...you TOTALLY burned me, Frank.
Ouch.
If I had no scruples, you might make a good patient. It would probably take me one, maybe two sessions to reduce you to tears.
Darn that Hippocratic Oath...
Bob Grant| 1.8.13 @ 7:49PM
Shecky Drackman performing at Chuckles in Baton Rouge, La.
Alan| 1.8.13 @ 11:21AM
Its his knee and his career last time I checked. Also, last time I checked nobody forced anybody to do anything they didn't agree or want to do, so for the "I care" and the "we have to do something crowd" go F yourselves.
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 12:05PM
A tad abrasive, but well said, overall.
Bob Grant| 1.8.13 @ 12:04PM
Dr.
I think most people are saying that IF Shanahan is to be punished, it should be at the sole discretion of Daniel Snyder and not the league or union.
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 1:20PM
Snyder won't punish Shanahan. If he did, what other reputable coach would be willing to work for him?
Besides, punish him for WHAT??? Trying to win a playoff game with his star player???
Bob Grant| 1.8.13 @ 2:12PM
He should be punished for stupidity.
RGIII was done for the year regardless if he eked out a win last Sunday. He would have been out for next week's game regardless.
You play Cousins and roll the dice.
Warrior| 1.8.13 @ 4:27PM
If your looking for someone to blame, fire the groundskeepers. Worst playing surface for any game in the NFL this season.
Bob Grant| 1.8.13 @ 5:08PM
Come on. That field would have been considered "lush" at old RFK Stadium, remember?
The RFK field would be nothing more than painted dirt in December and January.
The wussdom in modern-day NFL continues.
BTW, did anyone else besides me catch Roger Goodell hug Ray Lewis? Outrageous....
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 7:03PM
Outrageous? Why?
Lewis is a great player. He's a future Hall of Famer.
Goodell was smart to recognize Lewis for his contributions to the game.
CJW| 1.8.13 @ 7:51PM
I am surprised you like Lewis. Yes he is a great linebacker, and OJ was a great runner. But what contributions?
Lewis and his two pals were involved in killing two men. Lewis and his pals sped away in Lewis' limo, sort of like Teddy Kennedy swimming away.
Lewis did not stop to help or call the police.
Leis was indicted for murder, then cut a deal to plead to obstruction of justice, a misdemeanor, in return for testifying against his two pals. His friends got lucky with an OJ jury and were found not guilty.
The NFL fined Lewis $250,000 for lying to the police.
The families of the two murder victims did sue Lewis for wrongful death claims, and Lewis, at least settled and paid.
Lewis has impressive numbers, as you pointed out, but so did OJ, and Teddy passed a lot of bills. But there is no reason to admire any of these three.
Seriously, what contributions, why do you like this guy; does not seem consistent to me with your views on responsibility. BTW, tend to agree with you about Drack. Find it difficult to believe he is a doctor.
Bob Grant| 1.8.13 @ 7:54PM
Oh a double homicide incident that was whitewashed by the NFL.
CJW| 1.8.13 @ 8:16PM
Bob
When the Steelers had the great rivalry with the criminal Oakland Raiders during the seventies, before one game during the cold weather, the Pgh groundskeepers poured water on the area tartan turn near the sidelines. The water froze causing Cliff Branch, a very fast and excellent receiver, to slip and slide away.
The Raiders offensive linemen had been smearing vaseline on their jerseys to make it difficult for the defense to push and shove them away. Belitnikoff smeared his hands and uniform with stick-um glue to help catch.
Bob Grant| 1.8.13 @ 9:15PM
C,
And what about the zamboni incident?
CJW| 1.8.13 @ 9:59PM
Bob
The groundskeepers were doing their job cleaning the area where the Steelers had the ball.
MikeBee| 1.8.13 @ 7:21PM
Bob,
Not only the stupidity of playing RGIII while injured, but Shanahan should be punished by Snyder for destroying Snyder's investment. How much has Snyder promised to pay RGIII? If his knee is ruined, this investment is shot.
Kirk Cousins is one of the better backups in the NFL. He could have won this game, and probably stood a better chance to do so than RGIII. My problem with the NFL today is the way we make QBs into gods.
Bob Grant| 1.8.13 @ 7:43PM
Cousins gave the Redskins a better chance to win.
Deep down in the recesses of his heart, Dr. "Wrong in This Case" knows this as well but is too proud to admit.
Seek| 1.8.13 @ 3:20PM
My sentiments exactly. Someone posting here actually gets it right.
Stormy| 1.8.13 @ 9:36AM
Starting RGIII was not a terrible idea. He looked pretty good during the 1st quarter. The next two quarters showed that he was a compromised player with little mobility. Leading 14-13 at the end of the 3rd quarter, Cousins should have been brought in to nurse the lead. He had previously shown that he was capable. Waiting until the team was down 10 points with little time left, Cousins was forced to abandon the game plan and pass on every down. Seattle had their own way then, and Cousins was doomed before he got in the game. the game was winnable if Cousins had been brought in at the end of the 3rd quarter.
Also to be addressed is the difference in positions of Shanahan and Dr. Andrews before the game. Dr. Andrews said that he was not consulted, and Shanahan said that he gave his okay for RGIII to play. Which was it? In my opinion, I trust the good Dr's.
spike59| 1.8.13 @ 9:54AM
the Deadskins' lack of defense is what forced them to 'abandon the game plan'
Gr0w1er601| 1.8.13 @ 9:37AM
RGIII had better get the same orthopedic guy(s) that worked on Minnesota's Adrian Peterson...
Alan| 1.8.13 @ 11:19AM
He has and is!
LarryK| 1.8.13 @ 10:23AM
Rub dirt in it and take a lap!
SUBVET| 1.8.13 @ 10:58AM
Larry this ant LL...........
Occam's Tool| 1.8.13 @ 10:50AM
I believe Andrews also worked on Peterson.
James Andrews is based out of Birmingham, Alabama, and I believe one of his duties is as professor of Orthopedic Surgery at UAB School of Medicine. Alabama has some VERY high quality docs.
Rockabilly| 1.8.13 @ 11:07AM
As a Saints fan I felt Goodell's penalties were beyond the pale and the result for the Saints is obvious. It was politics and PR. He'd better check his food closely for spit when he is in NO for the Super Bowl. Don't hold your breath on Shanahan. Some one actually gets hurt in that case due to the direct action of a head coach and Goodell will do zip as there is no political upside to it.
markenoff| 1.8.13 @ 11:12AM
What is the carbon footprint of professional, and for that matter, college football? Can we really afford the hundreds of thousands of fans traveling every weekend during the fall? Think of the CO2 from grilling the brats alone!
And how much does football add to our nation's healthcare bills? All those unnecessary injuries at all levels just to play a game?
Obviously, in the interest of saving the planet and controlling healthcare costs football at all levels should be banned.
Miles Glorious| 1.8.13 @ 8:09PM
You better add baseball more injuries and of course soccer more head injuries
JD| 1.8.13 @ 11:18AM
This article feels like it was written by a Leftist. Let the people close to the situation make the decision; not some central authority.
bill glass| 1.8.13 @ 11:21AM
Shanahan's a good man and a good coach. He would never do what the author of this mindless, 20:20 hindsight article says. What a buffoon!
RAM| 1.8.13 @ 11:23AM
It's not necessary to punish Shanahan for jeopardizing a major investment by Redskin owners and management. They'll send him the appropriate message.
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 1:21PM
They sure will; it's called a "BONUS" for getting the Redskins to the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
Tom Kyba| 1.8.13 @ 11:58AM
When did Mr. Rogers start writing for TAS?
Mike M| 1.8.13 @ 12:13PM
FAIL to The REDSKINS!!
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 1:21PM
...and CRAP on ole' DC!
JP| 1.8.13 @ 12:18PM
"I think the punishment of the Saints was wrong and inappropriate. If a coach or player violates the rules of the game, then of course punish that coach or player. But the bounty system encouraged hard-fought football within the rules of the game; it did not contribute to rule-breaking per se."
So, a bounty of QBs is OK? Both Manning and Favre suffered season ending injuries because of blindside hits put on by Saint defensive players.
The Big E| 1.8.13 @ 12:20PM
There's a reason why Monday morning quarterbacks are not quarterbacking on Sundays.
RGIII is a grown man. He is, by all accounts, highly intelligent, well educated, and a natural born leader. The amount of respect shown to him by his team mates, even by long time veterans, is remarkable. I sincerely hope his injury is not serious and he makes a full, Adrian Peterson-like recovery. When he does come back, as he certainly will, he will be leading a team which knows their leader is willing to make any sacrifice for the benefit of the team. If you think that won't lead to the Redskins being a better team in the future, then you really don't know much about the nature of team competition.
Doctor Right| 1.8.13 @ 1:22PM
You forgot articulate...and clean.
Now that's a story, man!
Harry Reid| 1.8.13 @ 12:28PM
"RGIII is a grown man. He is, by all accounts, highly intelligent, well educated, and a natural born leader."
He also is clean, smells good, and doesn't speak with one of those negra dialects.
markenoff| 1.8.13 @ 1:53PM
He's a "cornball brother".
Who Knows?| 1.8.13 @ 12:28PM
Here’s a way to understand what’s going on with sports stars, these days.
Follow the money.
For every RG III and all the other “gifted” athletes who manage to be good enough to play for big bucks, there are thousands, in any year, and millions over time, of wannabes, who “get to” stay in the hood, and use their fast running ability, say, to run from cops. Arthur Ashe, where are you when we need you.
Say you just witnessed a typical play, with 11 guys on one side running around and 11 on the other doing the same, bumping into each other in planned ways, with ONE of them at a time clinging to the ball or throwing it. Let it be the “great” Viking Peterson, as he makes an average run of 6 yards.
How much MONEY do you think he makes for THAT effort?
Doing the simple math for baseball pitchers, per pitch, is quite enough to marvel amaze people—what, one thousand dollars, more?
Anyway, I’ve always thought boxers-- as the epitome of the putting the physical body on the line sport-- are essentially like a cornered rat: desperate, to the point of WILLINGLY choosing to be hurt or maybe even killed. If they had any brains, IMHO, they wouldn’t eschew using them, say, in school.
redstorm_| 1.8.13 @ 12:37PM
I don't about suspension but I do know NONE of us had to be Monday morning quarterbacks to have called this one. We were all saying pull him out mid-2nd quarter when he could barely walk back onto the field. It's ridiculous to allow a rookie NFL quarterback to dictate to coaches at all levels when and when they can't play. As cold as this sounds, he is Redskin property per his contract and if coaches and/or doctors say NO GO then who cares what the player wants? It's not their call especially when you are talking about long term effects, his contractual obligation, his role on the team, etc.. Like I said, suspension or not for this coach won't fix this debacle. The coach blew it, Griffin blew it, the doctors, the other coaches and even his fellow players....they let this talent basically blow out his knee for what--no reason. I could see IF this was the Super Bowl game and the championship was on the line...we could all almost forgive this decision in that situation. But, for an early playoff game when they would surely need him later...why not rest him. They have a solid backup quarterback in Cousins for just this sort of crisis....yet refused to use a valuable asset when it counted. I truly believe there is a Redskin curse or something....just when they start clicking their management at all levels blows it....
7-08| 1.8.13 @ 1:38PM
I have a suspicion that the running quarterback is a bit dated.
RG III might be fast, he may be elusive, but Suh gets a hold of him one time and that knee will be the least of his problems. Every time he takes off there are six or seven one hundred and fifty kilo - 4.5 second forty - monsters who can bench press six hundred pounds taking turns at ripping his head off.
Any smart quarterback who wants to get a second contract uses his speed, not to make yards, but to get out of bounds. It is a simple matter of physics - mass and velocity. The only thing the quarterback has equal to that defensive lineman is the tearing resistance to his ligaments and tendons.
RAM| 1.8.13 @ 2:43PM
If Shanahan's bosses are so determined to be dumb, who are we to stop them?