By Mary Paoletti
CSNNE.com
Did you know that Wicked Good Sports is an educational site?
That's right, WGS has had a hand in teaching countless athletes and coaches life lessons. Today, we're having a special history class for Amani Toomer. You might remember when WGS gently taught Adrian Peterson the difference between the lives of slaves:
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
and professional athletes:
Now, let's take a look at the quote that earned Toomer this extra session.
I think the way Mr. Goodell has handled this, the way hes kind of using his power, is like the kind of a Gestapo-type situation, controlling the players, not letting the judicial system do its work, Toomer said Wednesday, in comments that were repeated on ESPN Radio Thursday morning. It rubs a lot of players the wrong way, and thats why you see a lot of players now lashing out at Mr. Goodell. Via ProFootballTalk.com
Christ on a bike! If only Toomer had come to us sooner.
Oh, well. Let's begin.
WHY COMPARING PRO FOOTBALL TO THE DICTATORSHIP OF THE NAZI POLICE STATE IS A DUMB IDEA
We'll use a simple identification exercise.
AGENCY OVERVIEW 1
ORGANIZATION: National Football League
LEADER: Roger Goodell
LEGACY OF DISCIPLINE: The NFL Personal Conduct Policy. As of April 2011, five players have been suspended for an extended period of time by the NFL due to conduct off the field.
STATEMENT: People associated with the NFL must avoid conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League.
PUNISHABLE OFFENSES:
Usethreat of violence; domestic violence and other forms of partner abuse; theft and other property crimes; sex offenses; obstruction or resisting arrest; disorderly conduct; fraud; racketeering; money laundering
Criminal offenses relating to steroids and prohibited substances, or substances of abuse
Violent or threatening behavior among employees
Possession of a gun or other weapon in any workplace setting
Conduct that imposes inherent danger to the safety and well being of another person
Conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL, clubs, players.
SUBJECT TO JUDICIAL REVIEW? Yes. If discipline is warranted, the League can consult medical, law enforcement, and other relevant professionals about its investigtaion. The NFLPA is notified of the investigation and any results. As appropriate, the employee can address the conduct at issue. When it's all over, the Commissioner will have full authority to impose discipline as warranted.
REINSTATEMENT OF OFFENDERS INTO SOCIETY? Yup. And they're usually better off.
"Michael Vick wins Comeback Player of the Year"
AGENCY OVERVIEW 2
ORGANIZATION: Geheime Staatspolizel AKA Gestapo
LEADER: Heinrich Himmler
LEGACY OF DISCIPLINE: Overseer of the concentration camps, extermination camps, and Einsatzgruppen (task forces of killing squads) Responsible for the deaths of six million Jews, 200,000-500,000 Roma, prisoners of war, and possibly another 3-4 million Poles, communists, or other groups whom the Nazis didn't like.
STATEMENT: "We have always selected the highest and abandoned the lowest. As long as we maintain this principle, the Order (the SS) will remain healthy."
PUNISHABLE OFFENSES:
Treason, espionage, sabotage and criminal attacks on the Nazi Party and Germany
Making jokes about the Nazi Party (Make a Hitler joke and you die)
Being:
Jewish
"Work shy"
"Bibelforschers" (one who seeks guidance from the Bible)
Homosexual
Habitual criminal
Lots of other stuff
SUBJECT TO JUDICIAL REVIEW: No. In 1936, the Gestapo were a law unto themselves.
REINSTATEMENT INTO SOCIETY? No. Everybody was dead.
So, as you can see, there are a few more differences between Roger Goodell and Himmler's Gestapo than there are similarities. I hope this helps, Amani!