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.This also needs to be addressed: Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, said this on his ESPN radio show recently in regard to what he claims Raiola said to him before a game last year:When the Seahawks get home-field advantage—no longer if, but when—they will be almost unbeatable. But there is one team that can defeat them in Seattle. It's Dallas.
That sounds crazy, I know. Particularly considering Tony Romo's history of choke-ification in the postseason. But these aren't those Cowboys. These Cowboys are tough physically and mentally, and as we saw when they beat the Seahawks in Seattle earlier this year, they aren't intimidated playing there.
Good running game, strong defense—and Dez Bryant is the kind of fast and physical receiver who can beat the Seahawks secondary. In short, the Cowboys match up perfectly with Seattle.
Source http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2308402-mike-freemans-10-point-stance-dominic-raiola-doesnt-belong-in-todays-nfl
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