A Six Figure NFL Fine; Wait, Is it Raining Fans?

Nov. 25, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett (90) looks on prior to the game against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Every time we read NFL news or turn on ESPN, someone is getting fined. Whether all of the fines are deserved are for another debate. This time the fine didn’t come from the league, but from a team to its player. The Arizona Cardinals reportedly fined Darnell Dockett $200,000 for disobeying a coach’s order. The order? Let the Jets score in last week’s matchup so that they could get the ball back and score themselves. Too harsh? Maybe. I think I would probably argue that play call too.

Recently, every week, a fan is falling from the stands. A couple weeks ago, Martellus Bennett even caught one. What is going on at NFL stadiums? For that matter, why are these fans putting themselves in situations like this? Fast forward to last Thursday night’s Broncos vs Raiders game. A man, once again, took a fall from the upper deck of the stadium and is now in serious condition at a local hospital. Now police are saying that he either climbed over the railing at the top or purposefully jumped. However, this happened, here is my thought: Why just put railing or short walls behind the upper deck? Why not taller walls? What is going on? Football is supposed to be fun.

The Ravens’ Terrell Suggs was forced to surrender his guns to law enforcement. The linebacker legally owned the guns, but due to domestic violence issues at home, the guns were collected. It seems, he also, has a tumultuous relationship with his significant other and she even had a protection order against him at one time. In light of the Javon Belcher issue, maybe if these guys have any trouble like this, the NFL should counsel them or send these guys on a retreat. It is definitely becoming an issue.

David Boston, former first round pick for the Arizona Cardinals, was sentenced to six months in jail and five years probation after hitting a woman in the face last year. Boston plead guilty to a felony charge of aggravated battery after a 2011 incident that required the woman to receive ten stitches above her left eyebrow.

If you missed it yesterday, Jones Watch (which began, ended, began again, ended again, and then apparently began again with no one knowing) has officially ended. Butch Jones is headed to Tennessee to become the next head football coach of the Volunteers. Cincinnati said that they already coaches in mind to take over the coveted spot.

Jerry Sandusky is back in the news again. The ex-Penn State coach spoke to his legal team during their recent visit to the Pennsylvania prison where Sandusky is being held. Sandusky is ready to start the appeal process and has apparently taken the time in prison to perfect his appeal process. He is also in the process of writing a letter to his warden to ask to be treated like the level two prisoner he is. Currently, for safety purposes, Sandusky is being housed with the level five inmates. That means he spends 23 hours a day in his cell and no socialization. He believes he would be safe in general population.