Any organization that works in isolation tends to become disconnected from their customers, which in turn, leaves them out of touch with what is considered repugnant behavior. They also tend to become more concerned with being right as opposed to doing what is right. Rather than being forward looking and innovative, [...]
The NFL undoubtedly has their heart in the right place in wanting to protect players from vicious illegal hits. But as English poet John Milton first said back in the 17th-century “The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.” In this case it appears that those good intentions caused the NFL to overreact in levying $175,000 in fines to three defensive players for illegal hits in last weekend’s games . In fact one of those players’ hits, though vicious, was clearly legal under the leagues current rules . Clearly the league wanted to send a message, but the message it delivered was so unclear that it is sure to ripple through the league causing unintended consequences.