Saints are in bad shape, Goodell came down on them hard, but for once I can see why. Trying to make sure it never happens again.
Well, it's not just that. I think Goodell had no choice to come down hard.
Aside from the obvious image problem that would go alone with the one they already have with a number of former players gunning for them over the concussions, the league itself faced possible legal liability if it was weak. Tackles and the like are textbook assault cases (civil and criminal), but for the fact that by playing in game they are essentially granting consent to get smacked around. Consent is a defense to assault.
However, if you exceed the scope of consent it's no longer a defense. If I say you have permission to punch in the face one time and you punch me then proceed to kick me in the balls half a dozen times. You're guilty of assault. I didn't give you permission to kick me in the nuts. Same principle would apply. Sure, I give consent to be tackled, blocked, and so on within the rules of the game, but you'd be hard pressed to claim that consent extends to people purposely trying to hurt me for extra cash.
If the league has knowledge and does nothing or offers a weak response it may be opening itself up to civil liability from every player that can tie injuries to those bounties. The individual players are potentially open to criminal charges. As the one running it Williams might be as well. The last thing Goodell needs is 30 DAs and a bunch of civil attorneys scrutinizing every tackle for possible charges or lawsuit.
