Daily Archives: November 17, 2009
Fine on Ochocinco Just Small Example of Leagues Stranglehold on Players
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“If you’ve got them by the balls, their hearts and minds will follow.” –Charles Colson, chief counsel for Richard Nixon
During a 17-7 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, Wide Receiver Chad Ochocinco made a reception along the sideline that was later called upon for review. The Cincinnati Bengals Wide-out took the opportunity to playfully offer a referee a single dollar bill, jokingly in exchange for the call to be in favor of the Bengals.
The ref ignored Ochocinco. The call was made against the Bengals. The game continued without incident.
The following week, word came out that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell fined Ochocinco $20,000. And the leagues tyrannical disrespect of its most important asset… the players… continues.
In defense of the fine, ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen argued “The integrity of the game is critical to us. (Ochocinco’s actions) will not be taken lightly.”
This would make plenty of sense, if there was a single person who truly, honestly believed that Ochocinco intended to bribe the officials. If there is only one person among the millions of NFL fans watching the game who believed Ochocinco’s bribery attempt was legitimate, then the leagues integrity was in question, and the fine was fully deserved.
Except that… there isn’t.
NFL Week 11 Power Rankings
Week 10 is now officially in the books and it’s time to take a look at those Week 11 Power Rankings.
First things first, we have a new member in the top 5. Making its season debut is the Cincinnati Bengals, fresh off a over Pittsburgh. The Bengals came in at number four and look they they are here to stay.
The big winner this week is the Baltimore Raves, who jumped four spots to number 11 after a dominating win over the Browns. Six teams moved up three spots.
The big loser this week is the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons delivered a less than impressive effort against the Panther and Matt just doesn’t the same. The Eagles and jets, both dropped four spots.
1. New Orleans Saints (9-0) –
Let the Rams stay around a little too long.
2. Indianapolis Colts (9-0) –
Got a gift from the Pats and capitalized.
3. Minnesota Vikings (8-1) –
The Vikings rolled to an easy victory over the Lions.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (7-2) +3
A huge statement win for the Bengals, who are in control of the AFC North.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) -1
A sight setback for the defending champs, but a game against the Chiefs should take of that.
6. New England Patriots (6-3) –
A tough loss for the Patriots, who now have the archrival Jets coming to town this week.
7. San Diego Chargers (6-3) +3
The Chargers are on fire having won four in a row heading into their matchup versus the Broncos.
8. Arizona Cardinals (6-3) +3
This team is starting to find its groove again and they get the Rams next week.
9. Denver Broncos (6-3) -3
Three losses in a row and now suddenly the Broncos could be watching the playoffs at home. A huge game for the division coming up against the Chargers.
10. Dallas Cowboys (6-3) -2
A let down game for the Cowboys, but after four straight win you were kind of expecting it anyway.
11. Baltimore Ravens (5-4) +4
Don’t count the Ravens just yet. Nex week though, the Colts won’t be as easy the Browns
12. Houston Texans (5-4) +1
Were on a bye this past week and now get the suddenly red hot Titans at home on MNF.
13. Philadelphia Eagles (5-3) -4
McNabb put up wonderful stats, but they couldn’t convert in the red zone. This team will miss Brian Westbrook a lot.
14. New York Giants (5-4) –
The Giants didn’t play on Sunday but picked up ground on a few teams that stumbled.
15. Green Bay Packers (5-4) +2
The Packers needed a win on Sunday and they delivered and are now back in the thick of things.
16. Carolina Panthers (4-5) +3
Don’t look now but the Panthers are coming on strong. Delhomme has been turnover free recently and Steve Smith found the end zone for the first time all season.
