NEW NFL RULES FOR HEAD TO HEAD CONTACT

Jacksonville, FL
by: Staff writer, J.E. Miller

Created: September 19, 2011
Updated: May 6, 2012   Video of Spearing removed by NFL because of copyright issues.

The NFL just lowered the boom and head-butted Atlanta Falcon's Cornerback Dunta Robinson by imposing a fine of $50,000.  Robinson knocked out Philadelphia Eagle's player Jeremy Maclin by purposely (at least it looks like it) spearing Maclin in the head.  Robinson did this same maneuver last season and was fined $50,000.

The NFL has been attempting to reign in these rogue players for the past few years, to no avail.  It seems as if these guys just want to be the featured highlight reel on YouTube or ESPN and do not care about the monetary fines.  The league stopped short of suspending Robinson even though it could have done so.  

The interesting story is that the NFL has NEVER suspended a player for this action.

Here's a lesson plan for the NFL, compliments of my sophomore college professor.  In changing poor behavior and/or disciplining with successful results, you must:

1.  Make the punishment SEVERE.  Suggestion:  suspend the player for four games and fine him $500,000.  For Robinson, the fine was too low.  And, by not suspending him, the NFL sent a very weak message.  Grade for the NFL:  D-

2.   Make the punishment IMMEDIATE.  The NFL quickly fined Robinson.  Grade for the NFL:  A+ 

3.  Make the punishment CONSISTENT.  The NFL rarely serves consistent punishment among the franchises.  All NFL players should know, with 100% certainty, that if they do this twice (like Robinson) that they will be fined $500,000 and suspended for four games.  A third offense should result in removal from the NFL. PERIOD.  Grade for the NFL:  D-  

Institute the severe-immediate-consistent program, and I guarantee success.  Otherwise, the NFL will be paying for future medical bills for players with resulting head injuries, paralysis, concussions, and any other illnesses resulting from such brutal and invasive hits.   

I remember growing up with non-negotiable rules.  My Mother and Father taught me "the rules of life" very early in my development.  From age 3 until I moved out of the house, their discipline involved a "mere glance," a "frown," or a "pointed finger."  Upon seeing those indicators, I knew I needed to correct my behavior or they would lower the boom.  

This should be the same in the NFL. The players need to know that bad behavior will result in severe, immediate, and consistent punishment.  As it stands now, the players have no idea what punishment, if any, will be delivered.     

Additionally, coaches should not be able to hide from punishment.  Because a coach (offensive or defensive) may have called for Robinson's "hit" upon Maclin, that coach should be punished as well.  If the coaches wish to allow a player to continue acting up, then they should be punished in exactly the same manner.  This would weed out the bad apples immediately.

While football is a game, the reality is that the profits are huge and the "W" means everything to that bottom line.
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