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I think people are misinterpreting your point.
The fact is, Goodell has made it clear that he believes that the NFL can penalize players for violations of the conduct policy that took place before they were drafted.
Whether he SHOULD penalize players is another matter for debate. But there is no question that Goodell's own interpretation of NFL rules give him that authority (and his interpretation unfortunately is the only one that initially counts).
There's really nothing to debate about that. He imposed a suspension with Pryor, for activities before he was drafted, and Greg Ailello, the spokesman for Goodell, stated clearly that the League will review the Dennard case.
That wasn't under the personal conduct policy. That was for trying to circumvent the rules of the CBA, and it was a deal that Pryor was willing to enter into.
What does Deus think Goodell is reviewing the case for, if not to consider additional sanctions????
I think they'll "review" the case just as they do all incidents. In this particular case, unless Goodell wants to risk another beat down in court, the review will start, and end, with "Can we do anything here? No? Ok, we reviewed it." If Goodell tries to push it further than that, this will become an arbitration/court case. You're acting as if the mere act of reviewing something gives Goodell authority to act. It doesn't.
Is this situation the same as Pryor's actions before he was drafted? No.
Correct
Is this situation the same as Ellis' misdemeanor before he was drafted? No. It's a felony - so if Goodell felt a suspension was warranted he'd simply cite this as a more serious crime.
Incorrect. This is the same situation as the Ellis case.
Deus seems to want to make the point that if they do fine or suspend Dennard the NFLPA will appeal. While I believe they would likely win, the NFLPA appeals sanctions all the time - and that doesn't mean Goodell has no authority.
My point was pretty obvious. You made an incorrect statement about a significant issue, and I pointed it out.
If the NFL says they have the authority - and they have - then they do. That doesn't make it right - but since when has Goodell cared about that?
Since the law exists and he has to follow it, just as he is bound by the CBA. Did you not see what happened with the Saints bounty case? The NFL doesn't get to rule based upon what it feels like ruling upon.
While Goodell could assert that he feels a felony warrants NFL action above and beyond the criminal sentence, I think that the relatively light sentence sends him a message that the justice system looks at Dennard as a good kid who simply made a hot headed mistake.
Goodell can "feel" whatever the hell he wants. It's what he can actually do about those feelings that counts. Despite your claim to the contrary,
...They've already stated that they will review his felony conviction - so any argument that the NFL has no standing to further discipline is already out the window...
Is simply not correct.