Australian Rugby Superstar Jarryd Hayne has quit the Parramatta Eels to join NFL next season

The Australian International rugby superstar Jarryd Hayne has quit the National Rugby League (NRL/ RLFC) and his team, the Parramatta Eels, in order to pursue a spot on one of the 32 NFL teams next season. Jarryd Hayne believes he has what it takes to make a formidable punt or kickoff returner and is hopeful for his upcoming NFL debut following the 2014-2015 season. NRL's Jarryd Hayne is a superstar in his own right; he received the NRL's highest award for individual performance this year, the Dally M Medal, for the second time in his career.

In fact, NFL eyes have already been on Hayne. Namely, Reggie Bush who had made favorable statements while commentating on Fox Sports Australia about the 26 years old phenom. Bush commented that Hayne could play in the NFL immediately if he ever decided to switch sports. Indeed, Bush further remarked on the physicality and explosiveness of Hayne:

"He actually looks like an NFL running back. Looks like he could come play with us tomorrow...He's fast, strong and ... wow! Look at that hit. That's an NFL football hit. I like this guy."

Hayne will not be without his fair share of competition and adversity. Statistically speaking, few have made the successful transition from Australian Rugby to the National Football League. Jesse Williams, Defensive Tackle for the Seattle Seahawks (currently on the IR), is one of the few Australian natives to make a name for himself in the NFL. However, Williams also played great smash mouth ball at college football juggernaut program, University of Alabama, and is more in tune to nuances and competitiveness of NFL play. Another Australian rugby hopeful in 2006, Willie Mason, tried out for the New York Jets to no avail. Many other notable Australian rugby players who have made the successful transition are punters in the NFL.

Nevertheless, Hayne, a 6'2" 220 pound speedster, is confident that the time is appropriate to test the waters of the NFL. To play in the NFL is one of Hayne's highest aspirations. Hayne passed up a very respectable large sum contract with the NRL's Parramatta Eels to test his abilities and fulfill his NFL dreams. Hayne's agent, Wayne Beavis, stated that Hayne's speed and power and toughness (Rugby players battle on the field with no pads and no helmets) is the perfect match for a successful NFL showing. While it will most definitely be an uphill battle for the Rugby superstar, Hayne's has the right mindset and optimism about the possibly risky transition:

"I'm so passionate about the challenge that lies ahead for me, not only as an athlete but more so as a person...It's the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life. I'm leaving my teammates, friends, and most importantly my family; but for me to grow as an athlete and a person I feel this is the right step to take."

Indubitably, Jarryd Hayne and his journey into the NFL will not be without speculation and curiosity regarding what Hayne could bring to the table. For many NFL teams in need a special teams roster boost, Jarryd Hayne with his notably impressive acceleration, moxie and strength, very well could make a revitalizing addition to any NFL roster following this season. Publicity aside, Hayne could be the first great NRL showstopper to create serious waves on the grid iron in pro football.

References:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11703333/aussie-star-jarryd-hayne-ditches-rugby-chase-nfl-dream

http://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2014/10/15/hayne_announces_move_to_us.html

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Jarryd Hayne: NapaRazzi

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 Buffalo Bills reporter Mike Rodak on Kyle Orton debut for Bills breaking a 27 game drought to rout the Detriot Lions 17-14

ESPN Buffalo Bills reporter Mike Rodak wrote a piece today in which he believes the Buffalo Bills skid is over. The Bills have broken the two game losing streak when Dan Carpenter (PK) laced a field goal to defeat the Detriot Lions on Sunday. Mike Rodak is equally impressed with negative streaks being broken and career high days for various Bills.

Mike Rodak explains that Bills' leaders stepped up on both sides of the field. Offensively, the debut for Kyle Orton at QB for the Bills went off to a shaky start. Cornerback Reshean Mathis for the Detriot Lions would intercept Kyle Orton early on for a pick-six for the Lions, creating a 14-0 disparity against the Bills at the beginning of the game. Orton would pick up throughout the rest of the drives. Orton would have a Buffalo Bills career game and break a twenty seven long QB drought. As Mike Rodak clarifies, not since the Ryan Fitzpatrick era (27 game long drought) of the Buffalo Bills has a Bills QB thrown for at least 300 yards or more. Orton would have an excellent career game throwing for 308 yards from 30 completions of 42 pass plays attempts through the air.  Despite the early pick-six and the fourteen point hole, the Bills had a stellar game on both sides of the field.

Buffalo Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone benched his star Quarterback, EJ Manuel, earlier on this week, replacing Manuel with Orton. In fact, there has been favorable sentiment towards Kyle Orton's play. Just ask Bills' rookie Wide Receiver Sammy Watkins. Watkins remarked on notable differences between EJ Manuel and Kyle Orton as Orton took the helm this week in practices. Sammy Watkins noticed the favorable differences as he stated that Orton's reads and evaluation were positively different from Manuel, as was Orton's quick releases while throwing the ball. After the game, Watkins had more to say on Orton's performance:

"It carried over a lot...He had his mistakes but he had his veteran time where he lifted us up and moved the ball and had a couple of reads where he saw the coverage and shot it in there...That's just preparation he has in practice. He's got a crazy memory...The way he reads things and the way he studies, it's definitely a veteran move...It's great. As far as EJ making passes, he can do everything Kyle [is] doing...But just the presence and how he leads the group. ... We just have to keep getting better on both sides of the ball."

One of those key reads came up big in the fourth quarter when the Bills trailed 14-12 after an Orton 2 yard strike to the often under-utilized Tight End Chris Gragg. During the two point conversion, Orton successfully read the defense making a quick play adjustment and instead of a pass play, Orton created a nice read for veteran Runningback Fred Jackson to tie the game up with a nice quick run. Fred Jackson, among many other Bills players had equally high praise as Watkins on Kyle Orton's successful Bills debut. While Jackson commented that EJ Manuel could have made the same reads, Fred Jackson was pleased with how Orton lead his team and commanded the offense, especially with calling out plays for advantageous gains on the run and through the air. As Rodak puts it, the numbers don't lie when comparing offensive productivity between EJ Manuel and Kyle Orton. Orton's stellar play would lead to a 34% increase of efficiency in targeting the Bill's cast of Wide Receivers (14 of 21 completions to his wideouts).

While the Bills offense was great, Mike Rodak explained that the Bills defense should not be taken lightly. In fact, the Bills defense has been one of the most consistent weapons for Buffalo. Rodak points out that strong showings the last four games for the defense has lead Buffalo to have the second best run defense in the NFL. The defense only allowed 69 run yards from twenty carries on Sunday. Additionally, Buffalo put up monster numbers against the Lions as the Bills recorded six sacks in the game. Of those six sacks, Bills defensive superstar Marcell Dareus (DT) managed to get half of them. Dareus, who was plagued with off the field issues during training camp, has been having monster games for the Bills. Marcell Dareus was placed with even more pressure this week to be the playmaker on defense as fellow defensive tackle Kyle Williams was out with a knee injury. Dareus can boast a nice five tackle, three sack game and can also be proud of his defense's performance. The Bills defense held the Lions to a scoreless second half which allowed the Bills to come roaring back for the come from behind victory. The Buffalo Bills now have the best record in their division at 3-2, atop of the Patriots (whom had a much needed pick me up win against the unbeaten Bengals). The Bills will hope to add to their lead and effectiveness next Sunday against the Patriots for bragging rights and dominance of the AFC East division.

References:

http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/14003/kyle-orton-snaps-bills-27-game-drought-in-debut

http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bills/post/_/id/14036/marcell-dareus-sets-career-high-with-three-sacks-against-detroit-lions

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Buffalo Bills: Doug Kerr

Kyle Orton: Jeffrey Beall

NFL's Around The NFL Columnist Kevin Patra on Detriot Lions first year Tight End Eric Ebron on being "zombified" by mental wear of the NFL

Kevin Patra of NFL.com's Around The NFL broke an interesting and equally frightening story of comments made by Detriot Lions rookie Tight End Eric Ebron. Ebron was quoted in August about breaking past the expectations and first year boundaries:

"I've already hit my rookie wall...I felt like that last week of the learning process and getting over the curve, that was it for me. Now it's about staying true to who I am and doing everything that got me here, and better."

Ebron had gained more confidence during pre season from big catches via Matthew Stafford's arm. During that preseason, Ebron was insistent to work on the fundamentals and catching the ball securely; earlier on in training camp, Ebron was plagued with dropped passes. Patra stated that Ebron can add to an even deadlier offense this season as the Detriot Lions look to use Ebron as a seam and in-line position slot threat. However, it appears that after four weeks of adjusting to roles and responsibilities at the tight end position has taken its mental toll already. This is what Eric Ebron said to the Detriot Free Press yesterday which has caused concern for the Tight End. Eric Ebron was quoted as saying this about the harsh mental aspect of the NFl:

"You start to get zombified sooner or later...I don't even know if zombified is a word, but you just turn into a zombie mentally. But you're there physically. Oh, your body's going to work, but your brain just stops...if it's going to come, it's going to come...if I hit it, I hit it, but I'm going to go through headfirst, so we'll see what happens after I hit it. If I die, I die. If I come out alive, I come out alive."

Detriot Lions have been expecting more from Ebron as of late. During Ebron's first three games he saw a total of twenty three snaps. Ebron would see eleven more snaps than those first three games combined in week four. This increase was due to fellow Detriot Lion TE Joeseph Fauria, who injured his ankle (due to chasing a peeing puppy). As Patra explains, Detriot Lions will be looking to first year TE Ebron increasingly more. Patra is worried that this increase in productivity and role for Ebron will not leave him 'zombified' on the grid iron or in the red zone. While Patra may have made a joke about the matter, it is troubling to see the uglier side of pro football when it comes to meeting ridiculously high expectations from the world around. As ESPN's Dan Le Batard was concerned about the physicality of the NFL with regards to brain injuries, there should be awareness on the effects caused by the mental stress exhibitted by NFL players in tandem. While it may be easier to brush this off as off-hand humor, various former NFL players from around the grid iron have also made similar remarks in context to the aggressive-reactionary mindset that is often encouraged due to the extremely competitive and physical level of play found in pro football. Who knows? Maybe the stresses placed against pro footballers from NFL exposure and play is indeed a 'zombifying' experience.


References:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000404647/article/eric-ebron-zombified-by-mental-aspect-of-nfl

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000374275/article/lions-eric-ebron-ive-already-hit-my-rookie-wall

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2014/10/03/detroit-lions-rookie-eric-ebron/16632073/


Photography:

Eric Ebron: Thomson200

ESPN Senior NFL Analyst Chris Mortensen on status of San Francisco 49'ers Ray McDonald Domestic Violence Case

ESPN Senior NFL Analyst Chris Mortensen articled the status of the pending legal action facing San Francisco 49ers Defensive End Ray McDonald last sunday. According to Santa Clara District Attorney's office, Ray McDonald was arrested on August 31st. McDonald was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence while celebrating his 30th birthday at his house with fellow 49er teammates and various friends and acquantices. McDonald lives at the home with his fiancee. An unidentified woman was alleged to have been physically hurt by McDonald. Santa Clara Police stated that the alledged woman had "visible injuries". At this time two court hearings have been delayed.

According to Mortensen's sources, Harbough and company are prepared to discipline McDonald with a possible termination of contract or a suspension. Mcdonald has still been training and playing with the team since the incident. In fact, last sunday was the fourth start for McDonald since the charges were filed. League sources also claim that Jed York, President of the San Francisco 49ers, and Trent Baalke, 49er General Manager, have been insistent that they will honor 'due process' regarding McDonald's case. San Francisco representatives have been in coordination and communication with the NFL on the case. Thus, it seems all parties involved will be waiting for new evidence or information to come forth via Santa Clara Police and Santa Clara District Attorney findings, as one of Mortensen's sources expressed. Santa Clara District Attorney office also announced, "Prosecutors will review, decide whether or not to file criminal charges, or seek further investigation," after the DA office received the case.

Chris Mortensen furthered explained that even as 'due process' will be honored, there is concern for McDonald. Any evidence or information which is released by the investigation that is deemed 'damaging' could actually result in action taken against McDonald without waiting for a possible conviction. As it seems, if these finding are found to be verifiable in the League's eyes then San Francisco 49ers management would carry out possible termination of contract or suspension. Apparently, everyone including the NFL and the 49ers are waiting on the Santa Calra DA's investigation into the matter, which they stated had begun yesterday following a tweet on their twitter account. Mortensen's sources state the key will be the specificity of information released and how damning that information to be. At this time, there is no announcement from San Francisco that Ray McDonald will be punished or benched for the upcoming games. The very nature of this faux pas will most likely have a negative impact on the San Francisco locker-room and no fellow teammates have verbally outted McDonald either as of yet. While San Francisco has been playing great ball on the grid iron, this off the field issue could be building into a masthead in the coming weeks. That is a distraction a very disciplined and focused group of 49ers clearly want to avoid, but waiting on the issue to rear its ugly head further may backfire on San Francisco management of the domestic violence case.

References:
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11605743/san-francisco-49ers-discipline-ray-mcdonald-charged?ex_cid=espnapi_public

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11630349/district-attorney-receives-case-ray-mcdonald-san-francisco-49ers

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Ray McDonald:
 Derek Kaczmarczyk

ESPN Dallas Columnists Calvin Watkins and Todd Archer on more legal woes for The Dallas Cowboys as C.J. Spillman (Dallas Cowboys DB) is under investigation for Sexual Assault claim

ESPN columnists Calvin Watkins and Todd Archer broke the story today on an investigation underway  by Grapevine, Texas police. Barry Bowling, Grapvine Police spokesperson, stated that a report was filed on September 20th where C.J. Spillman is under investigation but made clear that Spillman hasn't been charged or arrested. Additionally, Spillman is said to be fully cooperating with the investigation. The incident involves C.J Spillman whom alledgedly sexually assaulted an individual, who's identity has yet to be released, at the Gaylord Hotel. Cowboys players and personnell stay at the Gaylord hotel until suitable apartments are found which was the case with Spillman.

Attorney for the unknown client is Gloria Allred whom has been in communication with Jeff Pash, Executive Vice President of the NFL, since last week. At that time she had named no players or an organization as of yet. While Pash invited the Allred's client to an interview, he made it clear that he wanted the interview be done with NFL investigators and on a 'confidential' basis. Pash is apparently nervous about the type of interview, due to the story being leaked earlier in the week, as he made a comment on the subject:

 "The fact that you chose to make public your requests to interview our client confidentially causes us concern about whether the interview itself would be kept confidential or tweeted out by you as you did with your letter to me," (Referring to an Allred letter to Jeff Pash)"However, I am willing to meet with you to discuss your request and also to learn the answers to our important questions posed in my original letter to you (which was not shared with the press)."

Jason Garret, Dallas Cowboys Head Coach, has become more vocal on the issue of off-field behavior and domestic violence also. Earlier in the week he made remarks on the hot button issues:

 "Again, part of what our jobs are as coaches is to create the right environment for our players to function both on and off the field. So we need to be clear about where we are, we need to be clear that we have a structure in place to help anybody who has any off-the-field issues. Me as a coach, position coaches, player programs, departments, we have a lot of resources here to help guys. So that was the first message -- if you're dealing with anything off the field and we can help with, we're here for you. Having said that, there is standards that we have about all off the field behavior and certainly domestic violence applies to that. We're just very clear with how we're going to handle things."

In ironically bad timing Dallas Cowboys news, Josh Brent (Dallas Cowboys Defensive Tackle) has returned to the team this week. Brent was found guilty of intoxication manslaughter, an incident which lead to the death of Brent's best friend and practice squad player, Jerry Brown. Brent will not be able to play until the 10th week but has been allowed to begin working out with the Cowboys in the meantime.

References:

http://espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/story/_/id/11626036/cj-spillman-dallas-cowboys-faces-sexual-assault-allegation

http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2014/10/grapevine-police-investigating-alleged-sexual-assault-involving-cowboys-player.html/

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

C.J. Spillman Sexual Assault Claim: Mike Morbeck

Jeff Pash Vice President of NFL: Brian Cushing High School

Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett: Rondo Estrello

Jerry Brown RIP: howdygram.blogspot.com

Josh Brent Intoxication Manslaugther: Michael Mulvey / AP

The Bad, Ugly and a touch of Good: The Paradigm That Is The NFL/ ESPN Wishy-Washy See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil Policy With Respect To Public Image and Profitable Partnerships

A tornado of accusations, pending trials, videos, pictures and massive media targeting has left a dizzying and harmful impact on the NFL's image this season. Even worse, NFL leaders across the league seem hellbent on a downplay to miraculous catharsis (funnelled by public outrage) ending with unclear, impartial and vague official responses as a gameplan. Fans, reporters and outside onlookers might be fooled into believing that they are watching a terrible horror movie on the SciFi channel. Even on this week's South Park, Roger Goodell was referenced as being a  broken machine spitting out useless words in the midst of a crisis. It seems the best way to get the changes echoed throughout public interests is to threaten deep pockets via public outrage (Sponsorships and Partner Companies/ Corporations; E.G. Radisson Hotel Chain dropping the Vikings). Despite the see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil theme employed by the NFL's containment crew, this theme has also been a gameplan for ESPN who faced an integrity crisis just one year ago while covering the NFL's concussion ordeal.

Even the Ombudsman of ESPN, Robert Lipsyte (Longstanding New York Times Reporter, former correspondent of CBS Sunday Morning and NBC Nightly News) is torn between heralding media coverage to shed light and public awareness of NFL domestic violence recurrences and that of last year's scandal involving ESPN journalism backing out due to pressure from the NFL for aiding in the PBS Documentary "League of Denial". ESPN president John Skipper removed his organization from a 15 month relationship with PBS in fear of losing a mutli billion dollar NFL deal. Skipper would eventually call the documentary 'sensationalism' with experts whom he believed mispresented facts. Skipper's decision placed ESPN under negative press as Jay McMillian, reporter for the Goose Creek, South Carolina area, likened ESPN journalistic integrity to TMZ or Mad Magazine. ESPN's Skipper states that there was no pressure from NFL Commissioner Goodell; the statement was much to the contrast of a New York Times report implicating Skipper and ESPN's appeasement to the pro football juggernaut.

This next part is going to sound familar and a paradigm to the struggles facing the NFL in leu of violent misconduct and behavior. ESPN removed their brand from PBS along with Skipper statements that tried to downplay the ESPN-PBS joint documentary project. The problem was however, ESPN's Skipper and PBS's President Paula Kerger were jointly at the helm of an Aspens Ideas Festival panel just a couple years back where John Skipper personally stated "We're not the public trust that PBS is, but we do a certain amount of programming that is a bit of the public trust." While on the documentary's promotional tour ESPN Journalist Dwayne Bray proudly commented that “the NFL is just going to have to understand" with regards to ESPN-PBS's "FrontLine" relationship. As the ESPN network pulled away only a few short weeks before the airing of "League of Denial", they made use of promoting two ESPN reporter's books regarding the documentary along with an article in ESPN magazine both contradictory to Skipper's previous appallment with the documentary but clearly under Skipper's approval. Many claimed that such a move was to save journalistic face but many more contend that it was another baneful example of the calculus of marketing/ profitability.

While ESPN has previously been appeasing to their largest network provider, the NFL, they are slowly regaining their journalistic integrity it appears. Indeed, the tables have seemed to turn as ESPN journalists break more stories on NFL related violences this season.  A new article by Robert Lipsyte this week shows the bad and the ugly paradigm of ESPN journalism referencing his earlier posts about ESPN's journalistic integrity and direction while stating the good done via the exposure of the Ray Rice scandal. Though one has to wonder if such a resurgeance in protecting the integrity of the game via ESPN journalism is just an opportunistic way to cash in on the unexpected growing stock of holistic integrity this fall. That may seem harsh, nevertheless, it is a strategy which was used by ESPN just one year ago to advantageously play both sides of the fence.

References:

http://espn.go.com/blog/ombudsman/post/_/id/96/was-espn-sloppy-naive-or-compromised

http://espn.go.com/blog/ombudsman/post/_/id/176/winning-ugly-espn-journalism-prevails

http://espn.go.com/blog/ombudsman/post/_/id/453/espn-flexes-journalistic-muscle-on-rice

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Roger Goodell Today Show Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury Research: The U.S. Army

Frontline 'League of Denial' Peabody Award: Peabody Awards

Visualization of NFL Head Injuries: Jer Thorp

Terrifying Sight: John Martinez Pavliga

ESPN Columnist Dan Batard's Take On An Inherently Violent NFL Creating Violent Situations

Is the constant collisions of players battling on the gridiron each Sunday to blame for violent outbursts of the NFL's players off the field? Dan Le Batard, writer for ESPN.com, thinks so. In a new article showcased this week, Batard gives numerous reasons and examples of NFL players to strengthen his argument.

Batard raises the question of how much impact recurring hard hits and concussions play a role in the behavior and thought patterns of a seasoned NFL Veteran. He goes on to purport and list tragic events by NFL former NFL stars as the likes of Junior Seau, Andre Waters, Dave Duerson, Jovan Belcher, and, Davone Bess;  apart from the media stirred Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Jonathan Dwyer cases Batard takes us back in time to show us a glimpse of how such enduring damage can create fatal circumstances.

Nevertheless, Batard also places the NFL domestic violence faux pas and ensuing media frenzy in objectively numerical terms referencing a paper by researchers at FiveThirtyEight.com, which shows that among all NFL employees, less than 0.5% players have had cases or crimes or incidents involving violence in a domesticated location. 

Batard sheds light also on the role of the player's position, noting that RBs (Running Backs) take the brunt of the damage throughout a career and hints at a possible correlation between concussive type hits accrued throughout time with mental health and stability. Batard's spin on things is that more research, more eyeballs, and, more concern should be raised to help spread awareness and scientific validity to these claims. As one could come to the conclusion, the repercussions of not addressing this issue now could not only hurt the league but everyone involved in it.

References:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11558730/does-football-contribute-bad-behavior-nfl-prevent


Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Ray Rice: Kieth Allison

Americand Tradition: KAZ Vorpal

Domestic Violence in NFL

The NFL is off to rough start this season for off-the-field issues. While last season saw many changes to the protection of players with new rules in place, it seems that the NFL is under heated pressure from Media and Sponsorship sources.

Starting off with a repulsive Ray Rice domestic violence video released early before the season, the video has been a springboard for other reprehensible violent actions and accusations of a myriad of NFL pro players indicted in domestic violence cases throughout the league in a short two week span.

The growing number of cases is alarming, though not as alarming as the actions being taken across the league for the fiasco that is the NFL domestic violence incidents. While many sponsors have taken action including such notable companies as the Radisson Hotel Chain, releasing affiliation and ties with the Minnesota Vikings. Many other sponsors are equally expressing their displeasure with the NFL's battered public image and are equally as worried about the NFL's future with regards to a set disciplinary actions to be taken to prevent and hem the growing misbehavior of high profile NFL athletes.

It seems that not only are sponsors sweating across the league. Roger Goodell is currently facing outcries to be removed from his Commissioner position after creating an initial lax response to the Ray Rice incident only to then admit defeat after media sources spoke out against the removed focus on the incident and Goodell's placed importance on protecting the player rather than the League and its moral standing.

As more claims are brought against various NFL players with regards to Domestic Violence, a tentative strategic outline was announced by Goodell to curb and "fix" the issues that could spell a new era for the NFL and how it plans to be perceived to the outside world. In totality, an unexpected twist this season as off field issues are doing much more damage to both the players, teams and the league itself, as the NFL tries to regain its identity from a tarnished beginning this season.

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NFL Domestic Violence Covergirl Photoshop: Adweek.com