Drew Brees Rips Roger Goodell [NoeBrainer]

Drew Brees is looking at the small picture when it comes to Roger Goodell.  It's time to look at the end result of Goodell's suspensions instead of the power that he has.

Drew Brees recently ripped NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.  “Nobody trusts him.  I’m not talking about a DUI, or using a gun in a strip club, which are pretty clear violations,” Brees told Peter King of si.com.  ”I think there’re too many times where the league has come to its decision in a case before calling a guy in, and the interview is just a façade.  I think now if a guy has to come in to talk to Roger, he’ll be very hesitant because he’ll think the conclusion has already been reached.”

First off, Goodell has met with players (ie Big Ben Roethlisberger) and reduced their suspensions after speaking with them.  Secondly, what heavy-handed punishments has Goodell dished out that have been bad for the league going forward?  Bountygate was an extremely harsh punishment for the Saints, but it's best for the league going forward that Goodell acted the way he did.  No team will have the exact same bounty system the Saints had in place knowing how New Orleans got punished.  It's a tough punishment for the Saints to absorb, but it was a good move for the overall league. 

A lot of people miss the point when it comes to Goodell.  Fans and players are fixated on how much power he has.  Instead of dwelling on Goodell's power, why not spin it forward?  Here is the real question; although Goodell has handed out harsh punishments, have the punishments been bad for the overall league moving forward?  Nope.  Don't forget this point the next time you decide to criticize "The Dictator" Roger Goodell.

Brian Noe is the Brand Manager at 104.5 The Team, ESPN Radio in Albany, NY.  Brian also hosts “The Noe Show” each weekday from 1-3pm ET on WTMM.