If a player is arrested for driving under the influence, he’s subjected to a suspension. Often times he’s also ridiculed by the media and has his decision-making come into question in the process.
But what happens when someone from a team’s front office commits the same crime? What’s the punishment for them?
Over the weekend, Lions president Tom Lewand was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. His job with the team appears safe and he’s already released a contrite statement about how he will take responsibility for his actions, but at what point does Roger Goodell and the league get involved?
If Goodell wants to hold players to a higher standard, he should do the same with front office personnel and anyone that falls under the NFL shield for that matter. It’s fine if he wants to rule with an iron fist, but he can’t be strict with the players and not with anyone else.
Lewand made a mistake – he’s human. But when players make mistakes, they don’t escape punishment and neither should he. Whether he’s fined or suspended for several games, Goodell must seek punishment for Lewand. If he does, then he’ll avoid looking like a hypocrite and more importantly, he’ll show the players that he’s fair.
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