[Bette]

One year after player misconduct was the hot topic of the owners' meeting, PacMan Jones is in the news again. Jones is representative of one of the NFL's greatest fearsut of control players. Yet his talent has the Cowboys looking for a trade before the next owners' meeting.
No matter what the mess, the NFL comes out with its popularity intact.
In the 12 months since the last onwner's meeting, 35 players have been arrested(a 32% decrease since 2006), there was alleged cheating and the Michael Vick incident. Even as the NFL hits new lows off the field, its revenues and TV ratings continue to climb.
There are objections. Some believe the NFL's problems with performance-enhancing drugs is huge. They say look at the players, their size and strength.
Another issue is the NFL's treatment of retired players. Of those who have retired, 65% have permanent injuries.
Steroids landed baseball stars in court and the NBA instituted a dress code to help fight the suggestion of a thug culture. Both league's have recovered from the fallout but the NFL barely missed a beat even after Michael Vick.

NFL faces same problems as other leagues, but its image rarely suffers

Where is the point where we say we love football but enough is enough? Or is there such a point?? What do you say?

[Lefty Noob]

I don't think there is a point. One, because people love football, and two, despite a few bad apples, there are a lot of good guys doing good works in the league, and in my humble opinion, no one does a better job of promoting their good guys than the NFL.

[Phils20]

And three, the gamblng industry. Folks love to gamble, and on the NFL in particular. And you can watch your money during the games! Hell, why do you think the NFL broadcasts started showing stats during games, in the tickers???

That's right, to let the fantasy football (another form of gambling, if done for mony) folks "see thier money".

I'm sure there are those that will say differently, but gambling is a good part of the audience.

Even with college. After all, a lot of folks call thoes Thursday night NCAA Games "bookie games". You first chance of the week to recoup losses, or start off with a bang.

The element of gambling is the only reason some of these games are watched at all.

As long as the NFL and the oddsmakers are in bed together, the NFL will thrive.

Fire away! The gamblers out there could care less if folks get in trouble, they will still be betting!

[legend]

Phils 20 hit the nail absolutely square. Gambling is what sets the NFL apart from all other sports, whetehr it's with the bookie, office pools, or fantasy football. Without it the NFL would be no more popular than any other sport.

[Dusty]

Originally Posted by legend

Phils 20 hit the nail absolutely square. Gambling is what sets the NFL apart from all other sports, whetehr it's with the bookie, office pools, or fantasy football. Without it the NFL would be no more popular than any other sport.

This is an interesting possibility that I never considered and could be a valid one.

[Geechee843]

yea but the nfl also SWIFTLY deals with players who cause trouble. when the pats were caught , goddell said "wats the maximum thing i can do, cuz im gonna do it". and the nfl doesnt really have as many bad apple players as other sports. and when one is discovered he is dealt with quickly. and nfl commissioners/owners/gm's dont try to do things like pull a david stern and say that players cant wear his hat the way he wants to or have visible tattoos or wear a throwback jersey in an arena. therefore teh nfl players dont completely resent the leagues authority figures and its one big (relatively) happy family