Dominic Raiola harkens back to a different time in the NFL. Decades ago. When dudes routinely got punched in the nuts. Stomped on. Elbowed in the face. Clubbed. Deacon Jones used to knock guys out by bashing them in the head. Some of that happens now, but long ago, this was the norm. Refs looked the other way. The NFL did. Just a part of NFL life.
Raiola's ankle stomp, for which he received a one-game suspension, is something a middle linebacker would have done in 1950, or even 1970. But this is the 21st century, and those types of acts have to be put into football's past.
Raiola stomping on Ego Ferguson's ankle is another example of how the players can be their own worst enemies. Players complain about what they perceive as the softening of football, but if the league didn't crack down, idiots like Raiola would take football back in time, to a place it doesn't want to return.
If lawlessness returned to football, what do you think would happen to the sport's glorious ratings? They'd plummet. Americans love their violence, but they're not in favor of lawlessness (most aren't at least). The line is fine, but it's still there to see.
The NFL knows this, which is why it cracks down on illegal or borderline hits. Lower ratings means less money for everyone, including the players
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2308402-mike-freemans-10-point-stance-dominic-raiola-doesnt-belong-in-todays-nfl
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