It's official: Marshall appeals suspension [Archive] - The Orange Mane

mr007

08-16-2008, 12:15 PM

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_10220513

"Brandon Marshall formally appealed his three-game suspension Thursday to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, according to a league source.

Goodell had found the Broncos' receiver in violation of the league's personal conduct policy. An appeal hearing has not been set, although it's expected before the season-opening week.

Appeal aside, Goodell said he would consider reducing the suspension to two games if Marshall met certain conditions.

The New Orleans Saints, the Broncos' Game 3 opponent, might be interested to learn the most significant condition is for Marshall to stay free from trouble and disturbances through Sept. 15, which is when he can be reinstated."

I'm not so sure this is a good thing. If he wants to get the suspension from 3 games to 2, the better idea would probably be to just ride it out and comply with what the commissioner wanted him to do.

BlaK-Argentina

08-16-2008, 12:22 PM

I agree... he should have just stayed put and taken the suspension. We'll see what happens.

kmonty

08-16-2008, 12:23 PM

The New Orleans Saints, the Broncos' Game 3 opponent, might be interested to learn the most significant condition is for Marshall to stay free from trouble and disturbances through Sept. 15, which is when he can be reinstated.

Jeebus, the Denver Post really is out to get Brandon Marshall.

tsiguy96

08-16-2008, 12:23 PM

the commissioner cannot punish him more for appealing the suspension.

mr007

08-16-2008, 12:25 PM

the commissioner cannot punish him more for appealing the suspension.

True, but I doubt it bodes well for an early re-instatement due to good behavior.

tsiguy96

08-16-2008, 12:40 PM

True, but I doubt it bodes well for an early re-instatement due to good behavior.

its within his right to apply for a appeal to the decision (that is real ridiculous as it is, this isnt pacman make it rain jones, this guy has been charged 1 with 1 crime and hasnt even been convicted, and if he is he CANT be suspended for the dui)

Bronx33

08-16-2008, 12:43 PM

This might be a good move to delay the suspension to later games instead of the first 2 or three.

Irish Stout

08-16-2008, 12:44 PM

Man, I think that Marshall should probably be suspended... I think he needs to grow up. However, I think he really needs to appeal and base his appeal on the fact that he's had no convictions and compare his situation to Marshawn Lynch (who ran over a chick and drove off). In Brandon's case nobody has been injured and the commissioner is not allowed to consider his 1 DUI in accordance with the contrract with the player's union. So really we have three instances where charges have been dropped or otherwise there have been no trials or convictions. It just seems a little strange that Marshall should get suspended for nothing substantial and Lynch gets to run over a lady, drive away, then walk off with the commissioner's blessing.

Tombstone RJ

08-16-2008, 12:44 PM

Great move by BMarsh!

He had to challenge the commishe's ruling. If he didn't, it'd set a bad precident for the commish to abuse his power.

kmonty

08-16-2008, 12:53 PM

Nothing like appealing to the guy who put you in the position in the first place.

I loved Marshall's lawyer's comments after the fact... an independent arbitrator is needed if Goodell can't look at the appeal objectively. I don't think he can.

broncofan2438

08-16-2008, 12:58 PM

F that, I'm glad he is appealing it. He'll get it down to 2 games and well get to see him on the field in ORANGE against the Saints

Broncos4Life

08-16-2008, 01:00 PM

Great move by BMarsh!

He had to challenge the commishe's ruling. If he didn't, it'd set a bad precident for the commish to abuse his power.

I don't get this guy Goodell. He pretty made it clear with a zero tolerence attitude/policy. Lynch gets away scott free. No convictions, yet and Brandon gets 3 ****in games! Does anyone ever remember Paul Tagliabue abusing his powers as commish? I don't remember suspensions left and right all over the league. Then again I'm pretty sure Tag did say that he would have the refs looking out for our defense in that playoff game against the dolts a few years back. All these commissioners are Bronco hater aren't they...

I said before that I agreed with 2 games, yet the more I think about it and review everything I think 1 game is enough. I'm all for the appeal. Go Brandon!

Florida_Bronco

08-16-2008, 01:01 PM

Appealing your suspension is pretty much standard procedure.

Hamrob

08-16-2008, 01:10 PM

theAPAOps5

08-16-2008, 01:11 PM

This might be a good move to delay the suspension to later games instead of the first 2 or three.

Except as the article states the appeal hearing will be before the opening game of the season.

A first appeal is not going to anger the Commish its Marshalls given right under the CBA. Now if he tries to circumvent the decision by appealing to the courts or something like that, think Maurice Clarette, then he will get on the bad side. I doubt he wins the appeal and I doubt he will try to find other ways.

Paladin

08-16-2008, 01:19 PM

DarkHorse30

08-16-2008, 01:48 PM

No drugs, no convictions, one DUI, three games. Sort of makes you want to smack the Commish doesn't it? I think that's out of line. One game is enough, given what he knows, and even then, I would think the Players'
Associaion could have a problem with it if they weren't in the commish's pants....

Maybe the Commish is pi$$ed at Shanahan for the Henry deal. Am I the only one who gets the irony here? Henry is not on the team any more? Things are sure funny in NFL politics.......

You wouldn't think the Commish is so small as to want revenge for that deal, do you?

the players union should complain; and it should come from somebody like Stover, who wants Upshaw replaced sooner than 2010 (when his 6-yr 24MILLION contract is up, holy cow union bosses are overpaid). Interestingly, Dominique Foxworth was recently elected to the NFLPA's executive committee. Maybe he could convince some on the committee to put some heat on Goodell for being a complete idiot.

Dutch

08-16-2008, 01:53 PM

Wouldn't it be great if the Commish reduced the supension to two games with the possibility of making it one...if BMarsh complies as expected?

That's the pipe dream I'm having right now. BMarsh suiting up for the Dolts game two! :-o

Hey...it's nice to dream!

I think this may be the course they are taking, Hamrob. I also would not be suprised if this was the Commish's thinking to begin with. If you think it through it makes sense. He starts at three with a reduction to two for attending anger management classes. Brandon appeals and gets it reduced to a two game suspension, then attends the anger management classes and ends up with a one game suspension. Goodell gets the messages across to Brandon. Brandon ends up with a pretty good eye opener. The Player's Union is satisfied with the appeal process, and Goodell makes the league look like it is taking a firmer stance on off the field behavior. The plus is that the Broncos only loose Marshall for the opener to the Raiders and everyone should be pretty satisfied with the outcome. I felt from the get go that this was why Goodell took the stand he did with three games. Now we will just have to hope that it will shape up this way for us. Id love to have Brandon back for the Chuggers game.

Popps

08-16-2008, 01:56 PM

No drugs, no convictions, one DUI, three games. Sort of makes you want to smack the Commish doesn't it?

-Arrested for false imprisonment
-Arrested for domestic violence
-Arrested for DUI
(Three arrests since 2006)
-Restraining orders granted to individuals against Marshall for Stalking
-Cited for driving without a license
-Police records in three states (I guess all of those states are in on the conspiracy with the NFL Commish)

And let's not forget his college "career"...

while a student at UCF, Marshall was arrested in Orlando on charges of assault on a law enforcement officer, refusal to obey, disorderly conduct and resisting an officer

http://broncotalk.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/brandonmarshall.jpg

We'd be mad at the commish for suspending him if he was a Raider... right?

That's all I want to hear ANYONE say is that they'd back this guy 100% and be just as irate with his unfair treatment if he was a Raider.

Anyone?

If you think he's been done wrong, then it wouldn't matter what colors he wore or how well he caught the ball. I've certainly seen guys in less legal trouble get roasted around here. (Non-Broncos.)

Again, just sign the dotted line and say... "If he was a Chief, I would stand behind him 100%."

BroncoMan4ever

08-16-2008, 02:19 PM

I am hoping that this 3 game suspension gets dropped down to 2 with the possibility of being only a single game if he does the counseling and all that other crap he needed to do to get it lessened. I would be very happy to have the complete offensive arsenal against San Diego.

kmonty

08-16-2008, 02:35 PM

-Arrested for false imprisonment
-Arrested for domestic violence
-Arrested for DUI
(Three arrests since 2006)
-Restraining orders granted to individuals against Marshall for Stalking
-Cited for driving without a license
-Police records in three states (I guess all of those states are in on the conspiracy with the NFL Commish)

- Oh my freaking.... Come on. He blocked a taxi cab. The fact that that woman pressed for THOSE charges should tell you something about her.
- Again, according to the woman.
- No argument there.

- Again, according to people
- No argument there, although that's not a big deal by any means. It's a misdemeanor traffic violation.
- Who gives a crap?

I'm not saying he's guilty or innocent of those charges. I'm saying that Goodell's system, as is, puts power in the hands of people that could want to hurt NFL players. Anyone can simply decide they want to hurt this person's career - and there are those types of vindictive people out there - and start getting restraining orders and filing bogus charges. Based on the system as is, that player would become suspended. How ridiculous is that?

STANDARDS. PROOF. The foundation of the current US legal system. Then make the decision. Marshall's lawyer isn't going to "go quietly" - I get the feeling this is the first step in a big debate that will surround the principles and policies of the conduct policy itself.

And I say that's a good thing.

BabyTO

08-16-2008, 02:43 PM

good move by marshall. players can't be suspended for their first DUI. and all this other crap from 1984 when he stole a popsicle or those other charges from last year (dropped) don't mean squat right now :)

cutthemdown

08-16-2008, 02:49 PM

the commissioner cannot punish him more for appealing the suspension.

no but he can say 3 full games or make it 2

fdf

08-16-2008, 02:52 PM

That's all I want to hear ANYONE say is that they'd back this guy 100% and be just as irate with his unfair treatment if he was a Raider.

Well, of course not. But that's not really a fair comparison. If he were a Raider, I would hope that he got really, really unfair treatment for the same behavior. I rejoice when the Raiders lose because of last minute clunkers by refs--it make the loss much sweeter because it was so unfair. Why shouldn't I rejoice when their players get unfairly punished?

Raiders and their fans should feel a sense of injustice in their bones. They're the Raiders. They deserve all the unfair things that happen to them because they are Raiders.

The fans are the worst. They have chosen to be fans. Noone made them be fans. There are 35 other teams to choose from or, for that matter, girls basketball. To demonstrate how firm that belief is, I believe Raiders and their fans deserve for Al Davis to live a long life in his current mental state. And I believe Al Davis does too. In his current state, he is capable of continuing to field a rotten franchise every year AND, as a bonus, he is still capable of understanding that he and his franchise are the laughingstock of the league.

So you see, it's not a fair comparison because the Raiders are an exception to my normal sense of fair play and justice.

Aside from that :), I agree with you. The best thing that could happen to Marshall is for a suspension before something really serious happens. It improves his chances of growing up in time to have an NFL career. Regrettably, I think there's much more to the arm story than we know and I suspect that secretly, Marshall thinks he got away with something, despite this suspension.

Popps

08-16-2008, 03:18 PM

Well, of course not. But that's not really a fair comparison. If he were a Raider, I would hope that he got really, really unfair treatment for the same behavior.

Well, we're on the same page there.

Popps

08-16-2008, 03:22 PM

- Oh my freaking.... Come on. He blocked a taxi cab. The fact that that woman pressed for THOSE charges should tell you something about her.
- Again, according to the woman.
- No argument there.

- Again, according to people
- No argument there, although that's not a big deal by any means. It's a misdemeanor traffic violation.
- Who gives a crap?

I love the "girlfriend is crazy" argument. Wonder if she forced his hand through the television?

In any case, you're making it too hard for yourself. All you have to do is state the following....

"If Brandon were a Raider, I would still be defending his virtue and assume him innocent of these charges. I would insist that he were allowed by the commish to play."

That's it, man. Just tell me that you'd go to the same lengths to disprove, deny and excuse this same behavior if he were a Raider.

Simple. Why can't anyone say it?

If you mean what you say... his employer shouldn't matter.

Yet... crickets....

BlaK-Argentina

08-16-2008, 03:26 PM

Regrettably, I think there's much more to the arm story than we know and I suspect that secretly, Marshall thinks he got away with something, despite this suspension.

I put my arm through a window while fighting with my brother... ok I was 16 and my brother 12 but that kind of thing can happen.

Gcver2ver3

08-16-2008, 03:29 PM

Popps

08-16-2008, 03:32 PM

I put my arm through a window while fighting with my brother... ok I was 16 and my brother 12 but that kind of thing can happen.

I'm going to guess that busting a pane of glass is somewhat easier than blasting your arm through a flat-screen TV to such an extent that you needed surgery to correct it.

Schefter is reporting that Marshall has admitted that the injury was not, in fact, caused by a slip on a McDonald's wrapper. What Marshall actually says is that although the part about putting his arm through the TV is true, he actually did it in an accident while wrestling with family members.

It's not clear why Marshall would lie about it, but it is clear that this is a serious injury: Schefter reports that Marshall severed an artery and a vein, damaged a nerve in his right forearm and cut tendons to five muscles.

TheReverend

08-16-2008, 03:38 PM

I've come to the conclusion that Popps IS Brandon's crazy ex-girlfriend.

It fits so well.

kmonty

08-16-2008, 03:41 PM

I love the "girlfriend is crazy" argument. Wonder if she forced his hand through the television?

In any case, you're making it too hard for yourself. All you have to do is state the following....

"If Brandon were a Raider, I would still be defending his virtue and assume him innocent of these charges. I would insist that he were allowed by the commish to play."

That's it, man. Just tell me that you'd go to the same lengths to disprove, deny and excuse this same behavior if he were a Raider.

Simple. Why can't anyone say it?

If you mean what you say... his employer shouldn't matter.

Yet... crickets....

My ignorance of anything valiant by the Raiders comes from years of experience. I refuse to believe such an occurrence is even possible.

Give me a neutral party. If this were happening to an Arizona Cardinals or Detroit Lions or Philadelphia Eagles player - and I knew as much about his situations as I do as Brandon Marshall - I absolutely believe he would have the right to play.

There. Is that good enough for you Popps? I honestly have issues with this Personal Conduct Policy. It's just wrong on so many levels.

TotallyScrewed

08-16-2008, 03:42 PM

I agree... he should have just stayed put and taken the suspension. We'll see what happens.

You guys tiptoe too much. There's no reason to fear an appeal. There's no reason to expect a fair shake or positive change but appealing certainly won't hurt the chances of reducing the penalty...so long as God errrr Goddell spelled everything out before hand.

Hogan11

08-16-2008, 03:42 PM

Appealing your suspension is pretty much standard procedure.

Yes it is....I really don't see the news factor in it at all, everyone appeals and rolls the dice when the decision is not in their favor.

The only downside to an appeal is he gets Goodell's attention once again and whether he wins the appeal or not, you can bet Goodell will be keeping close tabs on him from here on out.

Personally, I feel that his best course of action would be to serve the suspension, get the councilling, stay under the radar as much as possible and return by game three.....but asking Marshall to stay under the radar for a few weeks is probably asking too much of him.

kmonty

08-16-2008, 03:47 PM

...but asking Marshall to stay under the radar for a few weeks is probably asking too much of him.

Well, he'll be under Cutler's house, so he has a chance. ;D

Popps

08-16-2008, 03:48 PM

There. Is that good enough for you Popps? I honestly have issues with this Personal Conduct Policy. It's just wrong on so many levels.

Well, don't agree with you on the conduct policy, but that's merely an opinion-issue.

That said, I'm not sure how you can justify saying he should play as a Cardinal, and he shouldn't be allowed to play as a Raider.

Here's a quick google search of "arizona cardinal arrested"

http://www.google.com/search?q=arizon+cardinal+arrested&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Looks like they keep the police busy.

Anyway, I think we can both agree that you'd never want a jury to convict you of a crime solely based on the neighborhood you come from or because of the behavior of your family members.

Why should Brandon the Raider not be allowed the same objectivity as Brandon the Bronco?

To me, if we're going to fight the seeming logic of multiple arrests and a clear pattern of behavior... we have to be willing to assume that ALL NFL PLAYERS accused of these types of thing are innocent, good people.

It can't be both ways. You'd either go to bat for Brandon if he were a Bronco or Raider.... or you wouldn't.

I know my answer.

TotallyScrewed

08-16-2008, 04:05 PM

-Arrested for false imprisonment
-Arrested for domestic violence
-Arrested for DUI
(Three arrests since 2006)
-Restraining orders granted to individuals against Marshall for Stalking
-Cited for driving without a license
-Police records in three states (I guess all of those states are in on the conspiracy with the NFL Commish)

And let's not forget his college "career"...

while a student at UCF, Marshall was arrested in Orlando on charges of assault on a law enforcement officer, refusal to obey, disorderly conduct and resisting an officer

http://broncotalk.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/brandonmarshall.jpg

We'd be mad at the commish for suspending him if he was a Raider... right?

That's all I want to hear ANYONE say is that they'd back this guy 100% and be just as irate with his unfair treatment if he was a Raider.

Anyone?

If you think he's been done wrong, then it wouldn't matter what colors he wore or how well he caught the ball. I've certainly seen guys in less legal trouble get roasted around here. (Non-Broncos.)

Again, just sign the dotted line and say... "If he was a Chief, I would stand behind him 100%."

I'm not standing up for him because I don't know the truth but come on...

Given the current legal situation what judge is not going to grant those charges if a woman brings them. They're going to grant them and then see how things play out in a court of law. It's the same if there was a "dom. dispute at my home and my wife said I threatened her...I'm going to jail and then the "system" will sort things out.

Popps

08-16-2008, 04:09 PM

I'm not standing up for him because I don't know the truth but come on...

Given the current legal situation what judge is not going to grant those charges if a woman brings them. They're going to grant them and then see how things play out in a court of law. It's the same if there was a "dom. dispute at my home and my wife said I threatened her...I'm going to jail and then the "system" will sort things out.

Yea, though if we were talking about ONE incident, I think most rational people would assume it could have just been a fight that got out of hand. When you start piling up arrest records in multiple states, driving drunk, having restraining orders filed against you and putting your hand through TVs... people start asking questions.

Would you assume all of the arrests were bogus if he played in Oakland? Just curious.

Popps

08-16-2008, 04:10 PM

Personally, I think he should have been arrested for wearing dark sunglasses in a nightclub. What's next, a blue-tooth?

kmonty

08-16-2008, 04:14 PM

Well, don't agree with you on the conduct policy, but that's merely an opinion-issue.

That's THE basis of my very issue with his suspension.

That said, I'm not sure how you can justify saying he should play as a Cardinal, and he shouldn't be allowed to play as a Raider.

I didn't mean it like that at all. It was a joke.

Anyway, I think we can both agree that you'd never want a jury to convict you of a crime solely based on the neighborhood you come from or because of the behavior of your family members.

Why should Brandon the Raider not be allowed the same objectivity as Brandon the Bronco?

You miss my point. I don't care that Cardinals have been "bad" too. I could have picked 20 teams. I want the NFL Player conduct policy changed. Obviously that would affect ALL players, including the Raiders. And the Chargers (whom I personally hate more than the Raiders). And the Chiefs.

To me, if we're going to fight the seeming logic of multiple arrests and a clear pattern of behavior... we have to be willing to assume that ALL NFL PLAYERS accused of these types of thing are innocent, good people.

Absolutely. Innocent until proven guilty. At some level, I believe Roger Goodell believes he's operating under that idea, in principle at least, if not in reality.

But that's the problem. Dropped charges don't seem to be any more/less important than pending charges... you yourself are using those in your examples. Just one example.

It can't be both ways. You'd either go to bat for Brandon if he were a Bronco or Raider.... or you wouldn't.

I know my answer.

"Go to bat" for Brandon... that's what you don't get. You're thinking the policy is incidental when Brandon Marshall is the issue, when it's really the other way around. It's not about Brandon Marshall. It's about the policy. It's about the rules themselves. Appeals lead to law changes all the time. You appeal to a higher court. The problem with this system is that your appeal goes straight back to the judge who already sent you your punishment!

I hope Steinberg stirs up a hornet's nest with this thing. I hope the NFLPA wises up and gets behind him. This policy needs a total overhaul. STANDARDS. INDEPENDENT ARBITRATORS for appeals. Not just the whim of one man! At the very least a committee of people to make the decision to begin with. Goodell is a very, very smart guy, I can't imagine why he hasn't realized this himself if he has any sense of humility!

My place of employment has a set of standards as well for personal conduct, and they have a group of people who make these decisions in a hearing-like structure. Not just one guy. That's the very first step that needs to happen to change this mess.

And I'm saying this for all NFL players, Broncos, Cardinals, and Raiders included.

TotallyScrewed

08-16-2008, 04:21 PM

Yea, though if we were talking about ONE incident, I think most rational people would assume it could have just been a fight that got out of hand. When you start piling up arrest records in multiple states, driving drunk, having restraining orders filed against you and putting your hand through TVs... people start asking questions.

Would you assume all of the arrests were bogus if he played in Oakland? Just curious.

What happens if all of the arrests and police actions related to his ex-girlfriend are bogus? What if he's guilty of the DUI and driving without a license only? Does it still warrant a 3 game suspension?

The three separate states all involve the same ex-girlfriend or not???

I'm just saying "what if".

If he lived in Oakland I think the judge would just assume that this is normal behavior....J/K.

Bronco_Beerslug

08-16-2008, 04:37 PM

Yes it is....I really don't see the news factor in it at all, everyone appeals and rolls the dice when the decision is not in their favor.

The only downside to an appeal is he gets Goodell's attention once again and whether he wins the appeal or not, you can bet Goodell will be keeping close tabs on him from here on out.

Personally, I feel that his best course of action would be to serve the suspension, get the councilling, stay under the radar as much as possible and return by game three.....but asking Marshall to stay under the radar for a few weeks is probably asking too much of him.
This is what I'm seeing too. He just needs to shut his mouth about everything and learn how to keep it shut. With this much stuff on his plate you would think he has been told that and knows that.

Popps

08-16-2008, 04:53 PM

What happens if all of the arrests and police actions related to his ex-girlfriend are bogus? What if he's guilty of the DUI and driving without a license only? Does it still warrant a 3 game suspension?

The three separate states all involve the same ex-girlfriend or not???

I'm just saying "what if".

If he lived in Oakland I think the judge would just assume that this is normal behavior....J/K.

Well, I'm assuming the commish has to look at this stuff on a case-by-case basis. Remember, this isn't a court of law, this is a private business enterprise operating under their own charter. That means they hire/fire as they please and can set any conduct policy they see fit, as long as it is not discriminatory.

I assume if he had only one DUI, maybe no action. However, Marshall was involved in 6 incidents that brought police to his house. He hasn't denied involvement, only given alternate stories to police. The conduct policy being set forth by the commissioner is aimed directly at dissuading these types of arrests and the publicity that ensues.

So, I can't say for sure, but even if not convicted... Marshall still might have more eyeballs on him from the NFL offices.

But, that's somewhat a separate issue.... as it really pertains to the NFL's specific handling of its own behavior policy. My point of contention on this issue has largely been the passivity or downright denial surrounding this issue with many of our own fans.

Popps

08-16-2008, 04:54 PM

This is what I'm seeing too. He just needs to shut his mouth about everything and learn how to keep it shut. With this much stuff on his plate you would think he has been told that and knows that.

You mean, writing "look at me everyone" on his pads and taking pictures for the media isn't the way to do that?

watermock

08-16-2008, 05:01 PM

Pacman is the one appealing a ONE YEAR suspension...shouldnt it be HIM keeping a low profile?

Down here, all the talk is how great the cowgirls gonna be with Pac and Tank...

kmonty

08-16-2008, 05:17 PM

Well, I'm assuming the commish has to look at this stuff on a case-by-case basis. Remember, this isn't a court of law, this is a private business enterprise operating under their own charter. That means they hire/fire as they please and can set any conduct policy they see fit, as long as it is not discriminatory.

I assume if he had only one DUI, maybe no action. However, Marshall was involved in 6 incidents that brought police to his house. He hasn't denied involvement, only given alternate stories to police. The conduct policy being set forth by the commissioner is aimed directly at dissuading these types of arrests and the publicity that ensues.

So, I can't say for sure, but even if not convicted... Marshall still might have more eyeballs on him from the NFL offices.

But, that's somewhat a separate issue.... as it really pertains to the NFL's specific handling of its own behavior policy. My point of contention on this issue has largely been the passivity or downright denial surrounding this issue with many of our own fans.

The bolded part - This private business has a union to represent its players. They have every right to question its principles and policies and take action. What's the NFL to do then?

Regarding the 6 incidents to his house - did you even read those cases Popps? For all but one, if I remember, there was nothing to deny. They didn't even involve him.

And Marshall did in fact deny "ever" putting his hands on that woman. He denied the charges. He pleaded not guilty to the DUI charge. In other words, denying the charges.

I don't know if Marshall did or didn't do anything. I'm not trying to defend him, because I don't know. With that in mind, I don't think there's any way I could suspend him, if it were my choice, because of that. I'm trying to point out the fallacies of this entire system.

TotallyScrewed

08-16-2008, 05:20 PM

You mean, writing "look at me everyone" on his pads and taking pictures for the media isn't the way to do that?

I agree...that was stupid and I'm surprised that the team didn't curtail that behavior.

FWIW, I agree that his off field behavior overall has been bad and he's guilty of something and trying to hide it...both things the league doesn't want its players (employees) to do or get caught doing.

I don't argue against punishment, I just want the Broncos to win.

FADERPROOF

08-16-2008, 05:26 PM

You guys do realize that Popp's schtick is only fueled by the ones who oppose him?

gyldenlove

08-16-2008, 05:40 PM

The thing is, Brandon Marshall is not an employee of the National Football League, he is an employee of the Denver Broncos and his employer has not seen fit to suspend him from work or fine him for his indiscretions.

Popps, if Marshall was a Chief I would still think it was wrong he got suspended. I wouldn't spend a lot of time or energy on it because I don't care that much about Chiefs players, but I would still find it every bit as wrong.

The way I look at Brandon Marshalls numerous off field transgressions minus the DUI is that most of them are unfounded. There is a reason that with all those arrests, no charges were brought against him, and I believe that reason is there is no evidence and no reliable witnesses that indicates he didn't act unprovoked.

The DUI is still in court and so we have to wait for the ruling on that one. Marshall seems unwilling to make a deal, so he must have some reason for that as normal procedure it to take a deal, do a class and have a breathlizer put in your car.

All in all, I think the suspension was unwarrented at present. I think Marshall did the right thing in appealling the decision, Jared Allen got his suspension reduced last year by appealling.

DeuceOfClub

08-16-2008, 05:45 PM

Criminal "Chris" Henry gets only 4 games and Brandon McDonald gets 3-2...???

watermock

08-16-2008, 05:47 PM

What exactly is this "higher standard" Goodell is looking for? As far as criminal matters, that should, IMO be brought thru due process enirely before corrosponding or subsequenyt action by the commish. I don't know who to blame for that but Upshaw.

Look at the Cowboys of 22 years ago or the Biils or Giants with LT...

Elway was KNOWN to drive home with cops wathing him to make sure he was "tucked in" safe and sound behind the Cherry Creek guard House at his mansion.

Maybe it's Upshaws fault for agreeing on such a unfair policy.

DomCasual

08-16-2008, 05:53 PM

Criminal "Chris" Henry gets only 4 games and Brandon McDonald gets 3-2...???

Brandon McDonald is a punk.

Rock Chalk

08-16-2008, 06:17 PM

Marshall should appeal and anyone upset with him doing so doesn't get it...

Just because he's appealing doesn't mean he hasn't accepted responsibility of his miscues...but why does lord goodell get to make his subjective judgement on it?...

marshawn lynch committed a hit and run and gets nothing?...but the broncos have to miss their best offensive option against two division rivals to open the season?...how is that fair?...

Whether Marshall has learned his lesson or not, this suspension doesn't change anything....this is just goodell making headlines...

if he wants to have a disciplinary process instituted, it needs to be a consistent fair process...and right now that is not the case...

and personally i don't think the denver broncos should have to suffer because of it...

Because he is the commissioner of the NFL and he gets to make the policies of the NFL.

Does your boss or the owner of your company not make subjective decisions all the time concerning employees? Of course he/she does. Its one of the executive powers of upper management/ownership. If an employee fails a drug test at work, he/she can be fired even though there was never any conviction for posession of drugs correct? Its because its a policy of that company. The policy of the NFL is that you must conduct yourself in an appropriate manner, and it is the commissioner's discretion on what that is.

Is it right? Who cares. It doesnt matter. Kind of like it doesnt matter who you elect, the politicians are going to screw you every way possible. It's just the way it is. You violate a policy that your employer says you cannot do and you can be sure to be punished in some fashion for said violation. Whether it is outright termination, or suspension without pay, or a dock in pay or whatever. It doesn't matter the job, it doesn't matter the employer. ALL COMPANIES HAVE POLICIES THAT CAN RESULT IN PUNISHMENTS. Most of them aren't fair IMO but you can always choose to work elsewhere.

Conversely, Marshall is on the right in appealing the suspension. The circumstances of his "incidents" that Goodell is suspending him for are very flaky at best and with the Lynch issue coming and going without so much as a slap on teh wrist, Marshall may have some ground to stand on. Not likely, but he may win. Regardless of whether he does not, this should be standard policy for every employee in every job to appeal through third party arbitration any punishments for any policy violations.

Popps

08-16-2008, 06:20 PM

The thing is, Brandon Marshall is not an employee of the National Football League, he is an employee of the Denver Broncos

NFL teams are goverend by a central corporate body, right? That essentially makes all players coaches (and otherwise) employees of that corporation.

Popps, if Marshall was a Chief I would still think it was wrong he got suspended. I wouldn't spend a lot of time or energy on it because I don't care that much about Chiefs players, but I would still find it every bit as wrong.
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But would you go to these same lengths to deny what appears to be an obvious behavior pattern? This many run-ins with the law from college until now, arrests, multiple police visits, the TV-arm trick, the whole thing?

You'd really be getting behind this guy and selling these events as BS if he played in Oakland?

kmonty

08-16-2008, 06:22 PM

Regardless of whether he does not, this should be standard policy for every employee in every job to appeal through third party arbitration any punishments for any policy violations.

Wouldn't that be nice?

ScottXray

08-16-2008, 06:47 PM

I think the commisioner is out of line!

Whether the cops came once, six, or a hundred times NO charges were filed, or they were dropped. Meaning they either can't be proved or substantiated, or it was just a cooling off thing. Ergo...NO crimes occurred! The Dui is still to come to trial, and Harvey Steinberg is a very good CD attorney. As far as the TV screen... a rear projector screen is made of plastic and VERY easy to punch through. It fractures with sharp edges that could cut anyone. And any speculation that there was some other reason he was cut on his arm is just Speculation and pure BS. Since he can't be suspended for the DUI he really shouldn't have been suspended for any of this. Neither should any other player.

I agree that the commisioner has no business being the place to appeal a suspension, in fact he shouldn't be the one to suspend a player in the first place. I am surprised the players union has not gotten involved in this as yet, as the suspensions he hands down are too much up to his personal opinion and there is no consistency to them.

There is no set policy as to what will constitute an offense that will draw a 2-4 or longer suspension and what won't. Until a specific and very descriptive policy is in place ANY suspension is questionable, and due to lack of consistent application , up to appeal and legal filing for damages in civil courts. If he is really going to fight this he'll do the appeal and then take it to civil court filing for injuctive relief till the case can come to court. I honestly believe that one game is all he should get for the level of PROVEN stuff he has had happen.

Until the Nfl sets up an appeals committee for this purpose and takes the appeals out of the commisioners hands it is a crap shoot , since these players lose a substantial amount of income based on Goodells dart board suspension policy. The same thing applies to the fines that the No fun League hands down...too arbitrary!

As far as Brandon. He does need this wake up call...and is on a bad roll. He could end up screwing the team worse if he doesn't take his medicine and grow up. But I believe he is just trying to get it reduced to the 2 and 1 scenario, so it isn't as disruptive. And he is right to appeal! :deadhorse