Shame on NFL, Cleveland Browns and the Media

One of the most egregious acts committed by an NFL team happened yesterday. But as the saying goes, “If a tree falls down in the woods and nobody hears it, does it make a sound?”

Actually, that doesn’t apply. This tree fell down in the middle of Times Square and nobody is outraged. I’m talking about the Cleveland Browns suspension of mercurial tight end Kellen Winslow for speaking out against the organization.

On the surface, this seems right. A hothead player with a history of saying stupid things (my favorite rant of all time) speaking out against his losing team. A malcontent getting what he deserved.

This is something different. Winslow was hospitalized with his second staph infection as a member of the Browns, one of many players who have been stricken with the illness in Cleveland. Whatever the reason their players keep getting staph, the Browns aren’t doing enough to prevent it.

Joe Jurevicius, one of the team’s best players last year, is missing the season because of it. LeCharles Bentley, once a high-prized free agent signing by the browns, is in danger of losing his career and life because of staph.

The team, trying to protect their image, had Winslow stay silent on his injury, which led to rampant speculation. Angered that his reputation was being soiled, he spoke out. The tipping point was when GM Phil Savage didn’t call to check on him while he was hospitalized, while members of the front office were pressing him for silence.

Yet, the Browns had the gall to suspend Winslow for speaking out, when they clearly don’t have their stuff together.

Another group of people who deserve to be criticized is the mainstream media. So far, I’ve only seen one article criticizing the Browns. On Sportscenter last night, John Clayton seemed to be criticizing Winslow in this.

Where is the media to stick up for him? You bash him when he says/does something stupid, he gives you good quotes anyway but you don’t do anything when he takes a stand for his health and the health of his teammates.

When Pacman Jones screwed up socially, there were dozens of articles criticizing the trouble young man. When players screw up, the media sounds off its horns like rush hour traffic in Manhattan. However, social injustices in the NFL by teams and the league against its players are as quiet as a fallen tree in Yellowstone.

Bored at Work = Posting like Crazy / AFC Playoff Clarity

The AFC is a lot less confusing than the NFC. Most of the teams are either really good or really bad, opposed to the NFC where everyone is mediocre.

That said, their side of the playoffs should be really competitive (even the New England games), while the NFC is a two horse race.

Without out further ado...

AFC Playoff Definites

New England (11-0) – I still think they’re going undefeated.
Indianapolis (9-2) – The Marvin Harrison injury has proven to be a lot more harmful to them than expected, as Reggie Wayne and his dubious dropped passes are showing that he’s not quite a No.1 receiver.
Pittsburgh (8-3) – Although they have looked shaky as of late, they could win four of their next five and finish with the No. 2 seed in the AFC.
Jacksonville (8-3) – David Garrard has been much better than expected and has saved Jack Del Rio’s job, at least for another season. With games versus Indy and Pittsburgh, they control their own destiny for the No. 2 seed in the conference.

Likely to make the playoffs

Cleveland (7-4) – In a case of things I thought in my head that I should’ve just written on the blog, I thought Derek Anderson was a good enough quarterback all along. No, really. I saw bonus coverage of a Browns/Chiefs games where Anderson was running around, making plays with his arm and his feet. I figured that not only was he better than Charlie Frye, but he was also good enough that Cleveland didn’t have to waste a draft pick on Brady Quinn, who I still think will be a bust.

As for the 2007 Browns led by Anderson, their last five games are very winnable, and they should finish no less than 10-6

Who Knows?

Tennessee – (6-5) – The Madden curse is catching up with Vince and the Titans.
Houston – (5-6) – Houston is one more good draft/free agent period away from being a solid team.
San Diego – (6-5) – Fire Norv Turner!!!!!!! Seriously, to continue to get these jobs, he must be the greatest interviewer of all time.
Denver – (5-6) – That loss to the Bears last week is probably the final nail in the coffin. Speaking of which, check out this Todd Sauerbrun quote about Devin Hester before the game.
Buffalo – (5-6) – They could join the Vikings as one of the worst passing teams to ever make the playoffs.

Final Prediction

1. New England
2. Pittsburgh
3. Indianapolis
4. San Diego
5. Jacksonville
6. Cleveland

At Home – Tennessee, Houston, Denver, Buffalo, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders.