Around the NFL: Suspensions and Rumors

This week, Donte Stallworth was suspended, Favre said the same thing everyone already knew, and Greg Ellis joined the Oakland Raiders. More so, rumors are flying this time of year and there’ve been some interesting ones circling, so let’s dive right in.

Stallworth Suspended

King Roger “Inconsistent” Goodell decided to suspend Cleveland Browns WR Donte Stallworth “indefinitely” this week for his altercation in Miami in which he hit and tragically killed a pedestrian while driving intoxicated. Stallworth just began a month-long jail sentence and now will find himself unaware of when (or if) he may rejoin the NFL. I disagree with this suspension.

Look, I’m all for shaping up the league. I also think that driving intoxicated is inexcusable. I also feel terribly for the family of the deceased. However, the commissioner is handing out what I believe to be an unnecessary suspension. I could understand a 4-game suspension and a fine. That’s about on par with other substance abuse issues. I know that this was far worse than the average DUI because of the outcome, but this has a good chance of happening every time someone drives drunk. Therefore, I believe that any DUI should result in a 4-game suspension. The second DUI should result in an 8-game suspension. The third should result in a full year, and a fourth is a lifetime ban. This would set a standard and make it really clear that players are expected to drink responsibly.

The thing that separates this situation is that unlike several other players who have served suspensions, Stallworth doesn’t have a track record for getting into trouble. Additionally, he admitted guilt and seems to truly take responsibility for his actions. I highly doubt he’ll make the same mistake again. The law has punished him already; therefore I don’t see why the league has to get involved in such an extreme manner. Perhaps I just believe too much in second chances, and I think that once the legal system has decided that the player has been punished sufficiently, the league should honor that. Otherwise, the NFL is perpetuating the cycle of ex-cons struggling to find work and then continuing a life of crime. While that may be an extreme look on the situation, it’s definitely the same ballpark. Goodell should know when players need a second chance (Stallworth) and when a player’s had one too many (Pacman Jones). Consistency would be nice as well.

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Ellis a Raider

The Raiders signed former Dallas Cowboys OLB/DE hybrid Greg Ellis this week. This is a great signing for both parties. Ellis has complained about playing the OLB in the Cowboys’ 3-4 scheme in recent years and about the amount of playing time he gets in general since the emergence of DeMarcus Ware as Dallas’ sack specialist. The Raiders, who need a reliable pass rusher opposite Derrick Burgess (provided they don’t trade him), will allow Ellis to play on his hand a majority of the time and they’ll put him in the best position possible to rack up double-digit sacks. Additionally, he’ll provide some veteran leadership to a defense that’s been lacking a true leader since the retirement of DT Warren Sapp. Ellis should have a couple of productive years left in him and I can’t see how he won’t help emerging players like LB Kirk Morrison become even better on the field. The Raiders still need a dominant DT (Tommy Kelly isn’t that guy) but adding Ellis as an edge rusher can only help at this point.

Rumors, Rumors, Rumors

There are lots of rumors going on, but four specifically caught my eye:

J.P. Losman – I’ve heard everything from Losman playing in Canada to him playing in the UFL when it begins in the fall. I don’t know about other teams, but I think Losman is a pretty good option if you’re hard up for a QB. Only a couple of years ago he was viewed as a player with breakout potential. While he hasn’t shown it yet, he’s young enough that it’s hard to believe teams aren’t willing to give him a shot. What about Seattle bringing him in to groom behind Hasselbeck? Has Singletary taken a look? If Favre isn’t healthy, doesn’t he have more upside than Rosenfels or Jackson in Minnesota? I don’t necessarily think that Losman is amazing, but I think he’s worth risking. I hope he lands somewhere in the NFL and gets another chance.

Brett Favre – Not actually a rumor, but more talk without actual news. We get it! If your arm is hurt, you won’t play. If it feels okay, you will. Let us know when someone actually knows which one it is! Until then, I’ll be paying attention to things that are currently relevant.

Donovan McNabb – I don’t know why Philadelphia doesn’t like McNabb. He’s a first ballot hall-of-famer in my book. I believe that Andy Reid has as much to do with all the Philly playoff losses as anyone else does. Most of the time, McNabb has had to do things almost on his own. He’s a great QB. So I don’t know why the rumors have him playing for his job this year, but unfortunately they’re probably right. Good luck Donovan, I believe in you!

Brandon Marshall – It’s unbelievable to me that the Broncos might seriously be considering trading a guy who’s just whining about his contract. Still, that’s the rumor. Maybe it will happen but I doubt it. These kinds of trades don’t happen very often (involving marquee players) and we’ve already filled our quota for the year with the Cutler trade. However, I do see more market value for Marshall. He comes with some injury and attitude baggage and is a suspension waiting to happen; however he’s younger than Anquan Boldin and has been more consistent than Braylon Edwards. If I’m Minnesota, Chicago, or either New York team, then I seriously consider offering a first and a third round pick for this talented but troubled youngster.

Until next week, enjoy the U.S. Open!

By: Brandon Niles
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer