Showing posts with label bounty gate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bounty gate. Show all posts

Monday, April 9, 2012

Gregg Williams is Bad... But is Sean "The Rat" Pamphilon Worse?

When Tony Soprano was tipped off that his "business associate" and long time friend, Big Pussy Bonpensiero, was doing the simulcast, Puss found himself out on a boat standing in front of three loaded guns being carried by Tony, Paulie Walnuts and Silvio. 


After several awkward and frantic shots of Jose Cuervo, the three men fired a dozen bullets through Puss' purple jogging suit and dumped him into the ocean, where he still remains today (although, if you ask Tony, he'll swear that he went into the witness protection program). 


But mob justice doesn't apply to the NFL, and for that, Sean Pamphilon is grateful. 


As many already know, Pamphilon is the man who released the latest and possibly the most damning evidence against Gregg Williams—an audio clip that captured Williams addressing his players in the locker room before the NFC Divisional playoff game between the Saints and the 49ers last January. 


In the audio clip, we heard Williams partake in typical coach speak. For the most part, I'd be shocked if I walked into an NFL locker room and didn't hear the type of things Williams said on the audio. 


However, there's no question he crossed the line when he encouraged his men to test Kyle Williams' concussion and aim for the ACL's, but overall the speech would have only been slightly concerning had it been released before Bounty Gate became public knowledge. 


But since we now have that knowledge, and know about Williams' participation in the incentive program, the latest evidence is understandably troubling.


WIlliams was in the wrong. He knows it. Everyone knows it. There are few (if any) people willing to challenge that. On the contrary, the argument and the debate has always concerned how wrong it was, as well as the extent of the punishment.  


It is the opinion of this writer that Roger Goodell exceeded what could be considered a rational and fitting punishment, but that's open for debate.  


The injury lawsuits against the NFL, as well as Goodell's safety crusade, is the reason for the thorough and severe punishment against Williams (indefinite suspension). Is there any doubt that the sentences would've been significantly less severe had this exact situation occurred ten years ago? 


The sentencing was formulated by someone with a clear and obvious personal agenda. Even if the punishment fits the crime, it's still absurd to put the outcome in the hands of someone who's top priority has more to do with maintaining a consistent public image rather than justice. 


But regardless, Williams openly admitted that he was in wrong and has accepted his punishment with no resistance whatsoever. 


That's more than we can say about Pamphilon, who will never be forced to admit that he was in the wrong and will likely never see anything even resembling punishment for his actions. 


The documentary that Pamphilon was filming at the time, the piece that allowed him to capture Williams' rant, was meant for his documentary on Steve Gleason. 


Gleason is a former member of the Saints who tragically suffers from ALS. He allowed Pamphilon to document his struggles, but claims that all the material that was filmed or recorded belongs to him and his family as part of an agreement. 


"The Saints trusted me and gave us unlimited access in filming, and I, in turn, trusted Sean Pamphilon," Gleason said to the media. 


In other words, Pamphilon had no right releasing the audio without Gleason's permission. As a journalist, he took advantage of his subject in return for personal gain, and for that he should be disgusted and ashamed of himself. 


Of course, Pamphilon is still clinging to the idea that he released the audio because it was the right thing to do, but it's pretty clear that his motives had more to do with making a name for himself. 


Why was it the right thing to do a week ago and not a month ago? Or better yet, why was it not the right thing to do before Bounty Gate was even public knowledge? 


Pamphilon didn't know that he had possession of a major gem until the news outlets broke the story. And even then, rather than contributing the audio in an anonymous and concerned manor, he purposely waited until the story died down so that he wouldn't have to share the spotlight. 


Williams and Pamphilon were both in the wrong. You don't have to pick sides, they both deserve criticism. 


However, while Williams was immediately willing to admit the error in his way, Pamphilon will likely never step up and admit that he took advantage of a man's trust in order to increase his number of followers on Twitter. 


Promoting dirty play is arguably more serious than misleading someone for personal gain, but lets put it this way... 


Knowing that the Saints never inflicted an unusual number of injuries on their opponents, regardless of the bounties, would you rather play quarterback against that defense (assuming you have NFL talent), or let the vegan-looking Pamphilon film your life knowing perfectly well that he's willing to sell out for ten minutes of attention? 


It's a tough call, but I'd vote for shutting off the camera and lining up under center. 


With that in mind, I feel that Pamphilon owes Gleason and the Saints organization a sincere apology.


But since there's no mob justice in the NFL and no one to hold Pamphilon accountable, that will likely never happen. 

Sunday, March 4, 2012

NFL Summons Gregg Williams to New York City, Suspension a Possibility

On Friday, Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was exposed for his role in a "pay for performance" program that was operational during his three-year span with the New Orleans Saints, and possibly during his time with the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills as well.


The program offered incentives to players who made big plays, such as fumbles and interceptions, but it also rewarded players who injured members of opposing teams.


The NFL security department claimed in their investigation that players were rewarded $1,000 for forcing an opponent to be carted off the field and $1,500 for knocking them out of the game. Although, the payments increased during playoff games.


Some former players have come to Williams' defense.


"It's ridiculous that someone is trying to say that we made bounties on knocking guys out, when basically all it was is that when a guy gets an interception, then he might get paid. That's something that guys do amongst themselves."


That was a quote from former Saints safety Darren Sharper from an interview with NFL.com. Sharper player under Williams in New Orleans from 2009 to 2010 and is currently retired.


Another former safety, Matt Bowen, who player under Williams with the Washington Redskins in 2004 and 2005, also discussed the situation.


"Price tags started low during the regular season — a couple hundred bucks for going after the quarterback hard or taking a running back out below the knees. Chop him down and give a quick smile when you got back to the huddle. You just got a bonus."


Bowen was also supportive of Williams by claiming the allegations are not unusual and should be expected.


"Bounties, cheap shots, whatever you want to call them, they are a part of this game. It is an ugly tradition that was exposed Friday with Williams front and center from his time coaching the defense in New Orleans. But don't peg this on him alone. You will find it in plenty of NFL cities."


Regardless of the support, Williams realizes that he was in the wrong, as is evident from the apology he issued:


"It was a terrible mistake, and we knew it was wrong while we were doing it... Instead of getting caught up in it, I should have stopped it. I take full responsibility for my role. I am truly sorry. I have learned a hard lesson and I guarantee that I will never participate in or allow this kind of activity to happen again."


But whether or not he's apologetic, the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell have made safety a top priority over the years, which leaves little empathy for Williams' actions.


The general consensus suggests that a hefty fine is in his future, as well as a possible suspension.


An anonymous source from the NFL has suggested that the league is considering lengthy suspensions for not only Williams, but also Saints head coach Sean Payton and Saints general manager Mickey Loomis.


However, our speculation should be put to rest shortly.


According to NFL.com, the league's security department has requested the presence of Williams in New York on Monday to discuss the situation and possibly determine his fate, although the purpose of the meeting has not been determined.


In the end, Williams will ultimately be hit hard by the league, whether in the form of a fine, a suspension or both.


However, while his future with the St. Louis Rams is still murky, it's likely that he'll resume his role as the team's defensive coordinator at some point.


Between Rams head coach Jeff Fisher (a close friend of Williams) and owner Stan Kroenke, there's surely enough influence to retain the shamed coordinator.


But whether or not he's wanted back...that's another question.