"Man behind the Curtain"

[marty]

Just finished watching Goddell and was surprised to hear him quote Walsh in reference to what if any direct contact he had with BB. Walsh apparently said that BB was "like the man behind the curtain", in that he never saw him. I found Godell VERY unprofessional to repeat this particular comment and to me shows a negative bias toward BB, and will help foster the negative perspective that the media has heaped on BB and the Pats.
The Pats have been sacrificed on the alter of "integrity of the NFL", to bad Godell couldn't manage to keep perspective in the rush to judgment.

 

[Bella*chick]

BB is the great and powerful Oz. But why some video guy have loads of access to him anyway.

 

[patsfanofNC12]

Goodell is acting like a little child right now, trying to get every last stab he can get in at the Patriots before this finally blows over.

 

[BelichickFan]

Actually that comment made it seem reasonable that Belichick was telling the truth when he said he wouldn't recognize Walsh if he saw him.

 

[Leave No Doubt]

Just finished watching Goddell and was surprised to hear him quote Walsh in reference to what if any direct contact he had with BB. Walsh apparently said that BB was "like the man behind the curtain", in that he never saw him. I found Godell VERY unprofessional to repeat this particular comment and to me shows a negative bias toward BB, and will help foster the negative perspective that the media has heaped on BB and the Pats.
The Pats have been sacrificed on the alter of "integrity of the NFL", to bad Godell couldn't manage to keep perspective in the rush to judgment.

Couldn't agree more. He looked almost apologetic for not being able to levy more punishment.

 

[marty]

Actually that comment made it seem reasonable that Belichick was telling the truth when he said he wouldn't recognize Walsh if he saw him.

Agreed, I just was struck with how unprofessional is was to repeat that particular characterization, and how it made Godell look like a little kid especially since it was delivered with the slightest of smirks. What an ass!

 

[BelichickFan]

Agreed, I just was struck with how unprofessional is was to repeat that particular characterization, and how it made Godell look like a little kid especially since it was delivered with the slightest of smirks. What an ass!

Well we know Jolly Roger has the maturity of a little kid - the fine and draft pick weren't for cheating they were because Belichick ignored his little memo

 

[PonyExpress]

Hopeful the great and powerful Oz can give the Straw Man (Goodell) some brains.

 

[NoCal Patriot]

Just finished watching Goddell and was surprised to hear him quote Walsh in reference to what if any direct contact he had with BB. Walsh apparently said that BB was "like the man behind the curtain", in that he never saw him. I found Godell VERY unprofessional to repeat this particular comment and to me shows a negative bias toward BB, and will help foster the negative perspective that the media has heaped on BB and the Pats.
The Pats have been sacrificed on the alter of "integrity of the NFL", to bad Godell couldn't manage to keep perspective in the rush to judgment.

This comment by Matt Walsh backs up Bill Belichick's comment in Mike Reis' article that "He couldn't pick Matt Walsh out of a lineup".

 

[okterrific]

Actually that comment made it seem reasonable that Belichick was telling the truth when he said he wouldn't recognize Walsh if he saw him.

I always believed that. Didn't really prove/mean anything, but...

 

[Gon_Trevil]

I always believed that. Didn't really prove/mean anything, but...

Perhaps it didn't prove anything to you, but Goodell was actually answering a question from a reporter (Peter King, I believe) who was inquiring about Walsh having met with Bellichick. He then opted to answer the question with Walsh's own words. You might be reading too much into a simple statement.

 

[JR4]

Goodell didn't believe Belichick back in September and said so today.
When he told reporters that Wash said he was told to be careful not to be
seen reporters fired back 'You mean they knew it was worng".
Goodell seemed to indicate that Belichick knew it was wrong and he didn't buy the "misinterpreted the rule" excuse now or back in September.
Walsh seemed to substantiate Goodell's belief in this matter.
Goodell may be right here. It's hard to believe Belichick didn't know
it was wrong especially after the memo from the NFL.

 

[DaBruinz]

Just finished watching Goddell and was surprised to hear him quote Walsh in reference to what if any direct contact he had with BB. Walsh apparently said that BB was "like the man behind the curtain", in that he never saw him. I found Godell VERY unprofessional to repeat this particular comment and to me shows a negative bias toward BB, and will help foster the negative perspective that the media has heaped on BB and the Pats.
The Pats have been sacrificed on the alter of "integrity of the NFL", to bad Godell couldn't manage to keep perspective in the rush to judgment.

Ok.. WHY did you find Goodell using this quote as being "very unprofessional?"

I found it comical and telling, actually. That BB is a great manager who takes a hands-off approach to a very minor part of the game preparations.

Seriously, you really need to explain this one.

 

[marty]

Ok.. WHY did you find Goodell using this quote as being "very unprofessional?"

I found it comical and telling, actually. That BB is a great manager who takes a hands-off approach to a very minor part of the game preparations.

Seriously, you really need to explain this one.

Ok....Lets see if I can satisfy your curiosity. A more professional response to King's question would have been "Mr Walsh said that he'd never even seen Belichick when he worked there", or "Mr Walsh was asked if he'd had any direct contact with Belichick,and he had not". Simple, professional, no colorful characterizations etc. Godell's way of responding was as you said, telling and comical. Given how little the media needs, to blow everything out of proportion, resisting the need to give sound bites would have been better for the head honcho of the NFL, yes?

 

[DefenseRules]

Ok....Lets see if I can satisfy your curiosity. A more professional response to King's question would have been "Mr Walsh said that he'd never even seen Belichick when he worked there", or "Mr Walsh was asked if he'd had any direct contact with Belichick,and he had not". Simple, professional, no colorful characterizations etc. Godell's way of responding was as you said, telling and comical. Given how little the media needs, to blow everything out of proportion, resisting the need to give sound bites would have been better for the head honcho of the NFL, yes?

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Goodell will not be long for that job he has.

 

[Kontradiction]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Goodell will not be long for that job he has.

God, I certainly hope not. He's done a horrible job with this entire situation. Tagliabue would have squashed this back in September.

 

[PittPatriot]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Goodell will not be long for that job he has.

Whether he is or not, he will certainly be remembered around here for eternity.
While I feel today's events have ended this saga, I am still a little frustrated by how the Patriots handled it from the start. One thing I know is, when you get caught, just apologize and move on. Being smug only brings the hammer down harder...and THAT is what the mediots have done to BB.
After reading the 'rules' in Mike Reiss's Mailbag, I too feel that BB should have just said "I'm Sorry" vs. justifying his interpretation. The rule is about as clearcut as a STOP sign. I'd be the same if you told the police, "Officer, I thought it meant to just be ready to stop...you know...in case if any cars are coming."

 

[PATSNUTme]

OK, if Matt Walsh never talked to BB, how could BB say to him "don't get caught" as Sal Pal on ESPN reported?

 

[DaBruinz]

Ok....Lets see if I can satisfy your curiosity. A more professional response to King's question would have been "Mr Walsh said that he'd never even seen Belichick when he worked there", or "Mr Walsh was asked if he'd had any direct contact with Belichick,and he had not". Simple, professional, no colorful characterizations etc. Godell's way of responding was as you said, telling and comical. Given how little the media needs, to blow everything out of proportion, resisting the need to give sound bites would have been better for the head honcho of the NFL, yes?

So, in your limited view, you believe that Goodell shouldn't have quoted Matt Walsh, verbatim just because the media might blow it out of proportion. And that makes it unprofessional?

You also seem to have misunderstood me. I found it comical because of the idea that BB doesn't really associate with the low level employees of the Patriots. I found it telling in reference to how BB is as a Top level manager and that he doesn't micromanage the lowest level. My comments weren't in reference to Goodell's purely truthful statements.

 

[JR4]

OK, if Matt Walsh never talked to BB, how could BB say to him "don't get caught" as Sal Pal on ESPN reported?

Goodell was asked who told him that and I think Goodell said his supervisor
( the guy in charge of filming ... can't recall his name ) but it wasn't
BB that told him that. If Sal said that .... he is wrong I believe.