Former Chicago Bears GM Jerry Angelo's claim that 'Hundreds of Domestic Violence Cases Ignored' in the past 30 years

More fuel has been added to the growing fire of dissent that is the NFL's persona. The NFL organization is now under fire from former Chicago Bears GM Jerry Angelo who made some heated and controversial statements regarding the NFL's handling of domestic abuse cases throughout the modern era of pro football. Jerry Angelo would state that 'hundreds of domestic violence cases have been ignored' on a consistent basis due to keeping high profile play-makers on the field come Sunday games. The statements made by Jerry Angelo have shed new light on the shady process of covering up misbehavior of pro football athletes. Angelo's statements would see those like former Chicago Bears Head Coach Mike Ditka up in arms, as well as Jerry Angelo himself trying to put his statements in reverse after heated criticism.

The original claims made by Jerry Angelo were due to a USA Today story broke by Josh Peter on Thursday and the quotes from Angelo came from an USA Today sports interview where Angelo's criticism of Rodger Goodell lead him to make the controversial statements. According to Josh Peter's story, Angelo had a change of heart and remorse after witnessing the Ray Rice video. Angelo remarked on Goodell stating that he [Goodell] would never cover anything up but also admitted Goodell looked to be playing by the C.Y.A handbook (Cover Your Ass); Angelo would state in his USA Today Sports interview that Goodell may have his 'priorities a little out of order'. Angelo would make his now infamous, now self professed 'out of context' quote about how hundreds of cases of domestic violence are getting swept up under the rug, alongside with his role in the ugly matter during the interview:

"I made a mistake...I was human. I was part of it. I'm not proud of it...OK, is everybody OK? Yeah. How are they doing? Good. And then we'd just move on. We'd move on...We knew it was wrong…For whatever reason, it just kind of got glossed over. I'm no psychiatrist, so I can't really get into what that part of it is. I'm just telling you how I was. I've got to look at myself first. And I was part of that, but I didn't stand alone...Our business is to win games...We've got to win games, and the commissioner's job is to make sure the credibility of the National Football League is held in the highest esteem. [Regarding Goodell]But to start with that, you have to know who's representing the shield. We got our priorities a little out of order."

This type of quote made by Jerry Angelo certainly seems like he understands his part in the cover ups of violence and of the misconduct of organizations and players alike. Additionally, Angelo had no problems with pointing the finger at himself and Goodell just two days ago. Nevertheless, Jerry Angelo would attempt to retract those statements yesterday while being quoted on CSNChicago.com:

"That ‘hundreds and hundreds’ was taken totally out of context...When I was making a point to this person, I was making a point that over my 31 years in the National Football League I’ve seen a lot of changes. There were hundreds and hundreds of things over those years that I’ve seen that have gotten better. Domestic violence is one of those. There were no hundreds and hundreds [of cases] of domestic violence. I would have no knowledge of that or have any idea how I would authenticate that. . . . That was never the intent of [the writer’s] conversation with me."

Despite Angelo trying to backtrack on now heated words, his statements have found opposition across the board from NFL authorities. The same day of Angelo's quotes, the Chicago Bears released a statement via the Chicago Sun-Times (albeit a vague, aloft and conceited one) in contrast to what Jerry Angelo claimed, "We were surprised by Jerry's comments and do not know what he is referring to." If you thought Angelo's backtrack quote and the Bears organizational stance of moral amnesia on Angelo's words were priceless, then you will most likely love the heated words via former Head Coach Mike Ditka about Angelo while on The Waddle and Silvy ESPN Radio Show:

 "[About Angelo]Gutless...If you didn't do anything about it while running the team, shut up, don't live in the past...why didn't you do something then...[Domestic violence]that was never covered up, never. I didn't know anything about that...maybe somebody having a little bit too much to drink, yeah, we would cover that up once in a while. We would overlook it and that wasn't right either. [Angelo] He's right about the one thing...you want the player playing."

One of the few ESPN commentators/ reporters to cover this story in circumspect was Kieth Olberman on his ESPN show. Olberman boldly stated that even if Jerry Angelo was 'misquoted' he was probably right. While many around the league are questioning Angelo on his statements, it appears the actual hot topic debate of domestic violence was swept under the rug with regards to what Angelo stated. People are more combative of attacking Angelo than adequately dealing with an epidemic of NFL violence and cover-ups. Unfortunately none should be surprised as the consistent action taken around the league is denial and accusatory distractions. Domestic violence, a major issue which could seriously damage the NFL's reputation if this matter is to be consistently swept to the curb in lieu of protecting violent players so that they may stay active come game day and publicly outing legitimate voices of concern on a clearly out of control, recurring problem in pro football.

References:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11672631/ex-bears-gm-jerry-angelo-hundreds-domestic-violence-cases-ignored

http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/11675930/ex-bears-gm-jerry-angelo-says-was-not-talking-hundreds-hundreds-domestic-violence-incidents-just-incidents-general

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/10/09/jerry-angelo-chicago-bears-national-football-league/16981865/

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=11677031&categoryid=2378529

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/10/10/jerry-angelo-claims-he-was-taken-out-of-context/

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/former-bears-gm-says-teams-hid-hundreds-of-domestic-violence-cases-from-league-212429165.html

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Jerry Angelo: Warren Wimmer / Getty Images North America

ESPN Green Bay Report Rob Demvosky on Why Packers Fan Can Keep Calm and R.E.L.A.X with an Aaron Rodgers 151.2 QB Rating FTW

ESPN Green Bay Packers reporter Rob Demvosky in an article published today tells his fellow Packers fans  they can now effectively take some R & R after the Packer's effective offesnsive performance.  During the first three drives of the game for the Packers, Rodgers looked indubitably different in pace and focus. Aaron Rodgers strung together three touchdown drives of 205 yards combined in just 8 mintues and 56 seconds in those opening three offesive drives. It was such an offensive onslaught and fervent pace that was reminiscent of Peyton Manning No-Huddle charges or the Philadelphia Eagles recent playcalling.  That is the style and type of offensive productivity that Packers fans have been accustomed to. Quite possibly, Packers fans galore may be too accustomed to it. Where there was panic in Green Bay last week; this week such frightened woes about the season for the Green Bay Packers were replaced with hype and hopes in a solid outing against the Bears.

Demvosky goes on to make the notations that the Chicago Bears are currently ranked 23rd in yards allowed and missing three DB starters including Charles Tillman at CB is who on the reserve list. Nevertheless, the Bears would see Rodgers and company score a touchdown or more throughout every quarter of play. Packers effectively handed the Bears their second loss of the season with 38-17 victory. Packer's own division again becomes manageable as the last two consecutive outings for wins place them right behind the 3-1 Detriot Lions. The NFC North, just a couple weeks ago, looked grim for Green Bay; two wins later for the Packers and with all other contenders(Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings) except for the Lions at 2-2 , the NFC North is not only wide open but its a division where Aaron Rodgers and Packers should be dominating in the weeks to come. Even Rodgers stated something to that effect in the post game interviews, "Well, I just know it's a long season, so there's always going to be mini-freakouts along the way...You just got to stick together, stay the course. [Coach Mike McCarthy] talked about trusting the process this week. I just wanted to remind everybody that it's a long season and at some point we were going to get this thing figured out."

The game was great for fans of the Packers high flying air assaults. Not only were Rodgers numbers on point for the game, he shared the wealth as well. Rodgers hooked up with....of course.. Jordy Nelson for 10 catches, 100+ yards & a couple touchdowns but found help from Randall Cobb (118 yards with two touchdowns), Richard Rodgers (a nice big 43 yard catch for the rookie) and Davante Adams (2 catches, 18 yards). This offensive clinic was almost as impressive as Rodgers QB rating for the game. Never since a 2009 game against the Browns (155.4) has it ever been this high at 151.2 which was thanks to 22 of 28 completions with 302 yards and four touchdowns. Tied in second for their division, consecutive wins their last couple outings and a near Aaron Rodgers' career high 151.2 QB rating is more than enough for the Green Bay Packer's world to 'R.E.L.A.X.' just take Rodgers' word for it.

References:

http://espn.go.com/blog/green-bay-packers/post/_/id/13611/aaron-rodgers-packers-quick-hitting-offense-should-help-fans-r-e-l-a-x

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11576354/aaron-rodgers-tells-panicking-green-bay-packers-fans-relax

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Aaron Rodgers: Mike Morbeck

Green Bay Offense: Joe Bielawa

Vince Lombardi Quote: Next TwentyEight