The NFL tackles problems in new rulebook, but fumbles with fans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Hunter McIntyre

Sports Editor

The NFL breeds controversy like its their goal as an organization.

Rule changes, player protests, and legal allegations have made football the most controversial sport on the planet. It seems like there’s a new problem every month.

It also seems that all the controversy is bad for business as the NFL had 10% less viewers last year meaning that they lost around 25-35 million dollars. That only estimates to a bit more than 1% of their revenue but it seems that Commissioner Roger Goodell thinks its a good Idea to continue adding and changing rules even after last years loss of profit.

Goodells policies and rule changes are often poorly received particularly by the viewers and public. As expected for the 2018-2019 NFL season Goodell has changed multiple rules including one that states “Anytime a player lowers his head to initiate contact will be a foul.”. The foul will either result in a 15-yard penalty or a possible ejection.

This rule is somewhat idiotic in my opinion as it is very difficult in game to specifically make sure you are not leading with your head or lowering your head prior to hitting another player. We’ve already seen the changes in action during the preseason and multiple players have made comments.

All pro cornerback Richard Sherman recently tweeted in response to one of his teammates getting a penalty for what appeared to be a perfect tackle  “To all those [people] including those who made the rule. I want a video of you running full speed and being lead by anything but your head while also attempting to bring down a moving target. You will soon realize it’s impossible.”

I tend to agree with Sherman in this situation due to the fact that players and fans are already confused by the NFL rulebook and it keeps getting more convoluted. Obviously refs are not perfect and wont always make the correct call but why would we make their job even more difficult when they already make constant mistakes.

However the new rule isn’t without good intention. Goodell has stated “Our focus is taking the head out of the game, to make sure we’re using the helmet as protection and not a weapon,” he also said in relation to the use of video replay “If we’re able to have replay to confirm when there’s one of these fouls when it happens in the game, then we should be able to use replay to confirm when an ejection may be necessary,” Goodell said. “I believe that our coaches and clubs feel (using replay for ejections) is the appropriate thing to do.”

Basically what he’s addressing is the problem with CTE, concussions, and other unpleasant head/neck related injuries. Last year we saw Ryan Shazier take a hit and become partially paralyzed. We also know that 99% of NFL player develop CTE. While I believe Goodells rule to be a noble cause the NFL will lose viewers with slower and less aggressive games.

This new hitting rule is simply something that will not work.  Even though I agree that the NFl needs to protect its players I believe that the rule will prove to be ineffective and will simply lose the NFL more money during the 2018-2019 season.