The "No Fun League" has again lashed out at its most colorful entertainer, fining Cincinnati Bengals star Chad Johnson $5,000 for wearing a velcro name plate on the back of his uniform that read Ocho Cinco. The name only appeared during pre-game warmups and was ceremoniously ripped off prior to kickoff by Carson Palmer. Johnson plans to appeal, and Roger Goodell needs to rip up that fine slip. Now more than ever, pro sports are seen as entertainment. Commissioners need to have a firm grasp of this and learn to let players be themselves so long as it does not have adverse affects on the game.
Stunts like "Ocho Cinco" do absolutely no harm for the league except when front office members over-react and issue fines. Players such as Johnson are simply conveying how lucky they are to be doing what they love for a living. Ocho Cinco's determination to take down DeAngelo Hall created more buzz than a normal interconference game would have made. Luckily, Johnson seems unfazed. He has already issued a warning for Ray Lewis: I'm going to hit him in the mouth. Who doesn't want to turn in to see the league's toughest player give Johnson exactly what he's asking for? The league is taking too many steps to alienate the common fan. I whole heartedly objected to the virtual elimination of end zone dances and find this recent action against Johnson even more absurd. If a player, such as "the player" in Dallas, brings negative attention to the league by all means dent their wallet. But to continuously come down on a player who does nothing but keeps fans on the edge of their seats is totally wrong.
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1 comment:
John, I came across your blog today, you bring up some interesting points and I like the way you write, why don't you give me a call and we can talk about you writing a column for my magazine.
Kenny Mayne
(201) 808-6011
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