Does the image of the NFL matter to fans?

[Deb]

Does the image of the NFL matter to fans?


After seeing the great sport of football get dragged through the mud for most of the offseason with countless arrests, it made me start to wonder: do we as fans really care?

Here's a quick list I put together of noteable arrests or suspicions of criminal activity by NFL players since the beginning of 2007:

Joey Porter & Levi Jones - fighting in a casino
Vick - dog fighting
Jared Allen (KC DE) - DWI (his second)
Chris Henry and Pacman - several
Tank Johnson - we all know that story
David Kirkus (Den WR) - felony assualt
Dominic Rhodes - DUI
AJ Nicholson - assualt
Jeremy Stevens - possession of pot
Steve McNair - DWI
Richard Seigler - Pimpin'

I'm sure they're are some that I missed, and in no way am I saying that all of these people are guilty, but in the court of "public opinion" the damage is already done. The question I have for you is do you really care what these guys do off the field or is your interest in them strictly after they put on the uniforms?

[25MVPKing]

I 100% have a problem with the image of the NFL. In fact the off-field incidents are one of the reasons I don't watch the NBA any more.

I wouldn't want my kids to think thuggery is tolerated by me or accepted by society (even if it is). How can I tell my kids it's wrong to punch someone and say, "Joey Porter's a Steeler, so we'll let that slide"?

But I'm in the minority... there are hundreds of thousands of people who buy tickets every week and multiple jerseys at $100 each. Things won't change unless the people at the top make a change or fans start voting with their dollars.

[Black@Gold Forever32]

Well yes I have problems with total scum like Adam "Pac Man" Jones and Chris Henry....But those scum won't force me to turn the channel and stop watching the NFL...I have NFL Sunday Ticket so not only do I see all 16 Steelers games.....I also get to see alot of other teams games and I continue to watch the NFL more then ever. I can't get enough NFL. I watch every Monday and Sunday night game to...

[PsychoWard]

i guess it all depends on the situation. the little pity stuff doesn't bother me because lets face it nobody is perfect!!! it is the people that keep on getting in trouble and take advantage of being a "perfossinal athlete" that bother me!!!

[TEEMONT]

I 100% have a problem with the image of the NFL. In fact the off-field incidents are one of the reasons I don't watch the NBA any more.

I wouldn't want my kids to think thuggery is tolerated by me or accepted by society (even if it is). How can I tell my kids it's wrong to punch someone and say, "Joey Porter's a Steeler, so we'll let that slide"?

But I'm in the minority... there are hundreds of thousands of people who buy tickets every week and multiple jerseys at $100 each. Things won't change unless the people at the top make a change or fans start voting with their dollars.

Says the CrimiNOLES fan.....if off the field incidents affected how you felt that much you wouldn't root for FSU, who has had plenty of distractions.

Who cares what these guys do off the field? If they **** up they should bee punished just like any of us would, thats my problem with the whoel thing....not too many people would be able to do what Tank Johnson or Chris Henry, or even PacMan Jones did....and be able to keep their job.

[25MVPKing]

Actually, Teemont, I root for FSU because I am an alumnus of FSU. I spent plenty of time and effort at FSU. I am a better person because of the education I received at FSU. If I went to Ft. Levinworth or Sing Sing University, I would root for them as well. I will not, however, support anyone's blatant disregard for adhering to society's accepted code of conduct. That includes Seminoles and Steelers.

Like I said, "I'm in the minority."

Don't mistake my fervorous support for FSU, the Steelers, or anybody as blind loyalty; I'm not a dog.

[BlitzburghNation]

We are never going to see the N.F.L. with no problems or arrests,,,,
but a few idiots does not make the league bad,,,,,,,

Our new commisioner will cut out alot of the major incident's,but they'll always be minor incident's,simple because they are human & young & have
alot of money,,,,,,,

I think they get way too much money as rookie's,they need to make them guy's earn it & not hand them all them millions off the bat

[SteelerSteve]

Yeah I agree with blitz make them boys earn it, and dont give em' quite so damn much!! I think if they had to appreciate their money we would see them leave it all on the field more and that would make for more interesting games. As far as the image of the NFL goes I like the hard-ass attitude of goodell hes gonna clean this league up