NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell informed a House committee today that either its interns don’t know how Google works or the Congresscritters are unaware real life isn’t like the Washington Post, where public temper tantrums usually bring about the desired staffing results. Goodell’s information impartation took place before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, which for reasons unbeknownst to all, save perhaps its members’ campaign managers, has assumed upon itself the role of overseeing and reforming NFL team owners, specifically Washington Redskins Commanders owner Dan Snyder. Who could most likely use some oversight and reform, but since Congress has solved all other problems facing the nation, now it’s his turn.
The moment was made public by Squad member Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), otherwise known as The Wonderful States That Gave Gretchen Whitmer. Even when sourced by Squad-friendly ESPN, Tlaib’s knowledge gap as to how the NFL works is astonishing.
At one point near the end of more than two hours of testimony, Goodell was questioned by Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan), who asked whether Goodell and the league are “willing to do more” to punish Snyder.
After initially asking whether he would recommend Snyder’s removal as owner of the Commanders, Tlaib followed up by asking Goodell: “Will you remove him?”
“I don’t have the authority to remove him, Congresswoman,” Goodell responded.
Only a majority of NFL owners (so 24 out 32) can vote to remove them. However, Goodell is authorized to vote in such cases.
Gee, I didn’t know that. Apart from search engine experts, anyone can understand how they work.
The Disciplinary Powers Of Commissioner
8.13 (A) Whenever the Commissioner, after notice and hearing, decides that an owner, shareholder, partner or holder of an interest in a member club, or any player, coach, officer, director, or employee thereof, or an officer, employee or official of the League has either violated the Constitution and Bylaws of the League or has been or is guilty of conduct detrimental to the welfare of the League or professional football, then the Commissioner shall have complete authority to:
(1) Suspend and/or fine such person in an amount not in excess of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), or in the case of an unrescinded unauthorized sale, transfer, or assignment of a membership or an interest therein to any person other than a member of the transferor’s immediate family in violation of Section 3.5 hereof, the greater of (i) five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), and (ii) an amount equal to 15% of the transaction value; and/or
(2) Cancel any contract, agreement or representation of this person with the League and any member thereof.
(3) If there is a violation or attempted violation of Sections 9.1 (C), (10, 9.2 or 12.1(B), award or deprive the club in question of any selection options.
(4) In cases involving a violation affecting the competitive aspects of the game, award selection choices and/or deprive the offending club of a selection choice or choices and/or cancel any contract or agreement of such person with the League or with any member thereof and/or fine the offending club in an amount not in excess of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), or in the case of an unrescinded unauthorized sale, transfer, or assignment of a membership or an interest therein to any person other than a member of the transferor’s immediate family in violation of Section 3.5 hereof, the greater of (i) five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), and (ii) an amount equal to 15% of the transaction value.
(B). If the Commissioner is unable to inflict any sanction pursuant to Section 813(A), he may refer it to the Executive Committee. He will recommend that all, or any portion, of the following extra or higher punishments and discipline be applied:
(1) The franchise to the League may be cancelled or forfeiture by any club member involved in or implicated. In such cases, the franchise affected shall be sold to satisfy the requirements of Section 3.8.B.
(2) A person implicated or involved therein may cancel or forfeit their interest in a franchise or member club. Any person implicated in such an event shall sell their interest and dispose of it according to Section 3.8(B).
(3) The offending club may declare one or several players to be free agents, or the contract(s) thereon be given to another club.
(4) The assignment to another club or nominee of League of the lease for any stadium, playing field or other facility owned or controlled by the defending club.
(5) Assignment to one of the clubs comprising players from the Reserve or Selection Lists of the club in which the offense occurred.
(6) To require the sale of all stock or interests in any member club of the infringing person according to the method and pursuant to Section 3.8(B);
(7) Any other recommendations he considers necessary.
The Executive Committee has the power to impose additional punishments or discipline as it sees fit. The Commissioner’s decision under these circumstances, after approval by or ratification by not less than 34% or 24, or the greater of them, will be final, binding, and irrevocable.
The only thing more surprising than Rep. Tlaib’s knowledge shortcoming regarding the NFL is that she didn’t ask Goodell why, in the interest of fairness, he doesn’t mandate the Lions win next year’s Super Bowl.
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