It’s the NFL That Needs To Be Slapped

Okay, let me start by saying I'm not one of those people who gets angry and calls everything PC every time we talk about how to refer to people or issues. In fact, I'm probably more of a progressive than most people here in South Louisiana. I try to be very aware and accommodating of what people want to be called and DON'T want to be called. And, in most cases, I support their wishes as well as abide by them.

I have my business email and personal email on my phone. And, Saturday I saw a news release. It said simply: "See attached."

And when I opened it, I said, "you've got to be kidding me."

One of the attachments was a letter from the NFL banning the super-imposition of logos on the playing field. They were specifically referring to identifying the "red zone,".

And, there's no question they were referring to the New Orleans Saints and the "Slap Ya Mama" logo. As you might expect, the folks who make the delicious Cajun seasoning were a big miffed:

“We’ve been doing this for three years with no complaints. People who know our brand ‘get it’ but all of a sudden, after three years, the NFL doesn’t. We are really shaking our heads over this one! We’re fun loving and enjoy great tasting food. We also love football, especially Saints football! Maybe they just don’t understand our culture. What a shame!” says Jack D. Walker, Vice President of Marketing, Walker & Sons, Inc. (From news release 8/23/14)

Saints preseason games are produced and televised by Cox Sports Television (unless the game is on a major network as it was this past Saturday night.). That is a regional network. However, the first preseason game was also shown on the NFL Network, which used the Cox telecast. And, I'm sure someone in Massachusetts, or Pennsylvania or New York saw it and, not understanding Cajun culture, complained.

Or, maybe not.

No, the NFL decided to do this in order to cover Roger Goodell's butt after the Commissioner screwed up badly a couple of weeks ago.

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was arrested and charged with domestic violence after punching his then-girlfriend and knocking her unconscious. Goodell, who recognized that Rice is one of the NFL's premier running backs, was so focused on the NFL brand and product on the field that he gave Rice a two-game suspension.

Two games.

Then, when asked about his decision, Goodell, obviously still out of touch with goings on in society today, said he was comfortable with the decision because it was consistent with past decisions in similar circumstances. And, he said it with a straight face using his best "deer in the headlights" look.

Wow.

Well, if the Commissioner was oblivious to the anger caused by his decision, he certainly realized it after trying to justify the unjustifiable. Criticism came from sportswriters, womens' groups and news media. Goodell had a chance to make a statement that the NFL would not condone players who committed acts of domestic violence.

And, he blew it. Badly. And, too late, he was made aware.

So, what did Goodell do? He did what he's done many times since taking over as Commissioner. He over reacted.

And, a South Louisiana business suffered because of it.

I'm sure by this decision, Goodell and the NFL think they've made a statement about how seriously they take issues of domestic violence and are ready to ban something that a single person might take to mean the NFL condones such a thing.

Hey, they took a stand.

Too late Rog. You had your chance.

And you blew it.

Again.