The Shield VS Courtroom

BY SCOTT MORGANROTH

My late Grandmother Sophie Morganroth used to tell me that there is a time and a place to say or do something---take action.

But she never would imagine the recent actions taken by former NFL Wide Receiver Chad Johnson.

Johnson found out that Broward County Circuit Judge Kathleen McHugh is much different than NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

When Johnson celebrated after scoring touchdowns, the only discipline he'd receive would be small fines which are a mere slap on the wrist.

But Johnson took the slap to a different level in downtown Fort Lauderdale as he slapped his attorney on the butt in court and was sentenced to 30 days in jail. What appeared to be a harmless act where his plea deal was accepted and he was happy with his lawyer's performance, turned out to be quite the opposite outcome.

The courtroom erupted in laughter, but McHugh wasn't laughing. She was extremely angry, rejected the plea deal, and thought Johnson's actions were disrespectful and dropped the hammer.

Wearing a tan jumpsuit with his hands shackled at the waist, Johnson apologized to the judge and served seven days. He had plenty of time to evaluate his flamboyant behavior, plus realize his domestic violence case is nothing to take lightly.

Whether Johnson gets another NFL job remains to be seen.

But McHugh did something Goodell hasn't been able to do and force Johnson to eat Humble Pie.

She took away his freedom which is much worse than any discipline he'd receive in the NFL. Johnson's white flag had more impact than the yellow flag officials use during the game.

Hopefully, this will make Johnson a better person.

He definitely knows the difference between the gridiron and a courtroom. McHugh's responsibility is to protect the integrity of the legal system "Courtroom" while Goodell's job is to protect "The Shield." (The NFL Logo).

If he needs some advice as to how bad things can get behind bars, Johnson should contact Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick, who turned his life around after being locked up for animal cruelty for dog fighting. Vick spent 548 days in jail.

Scott Morganroth can be reached at scottsports33@aol.com.

Stallworth's NFL Suspension Too Soft

BY SCOTT MORGANROTH

When I was at Super Bowl 43 in Tampa and covered NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's State Of The League Address, it didn't take long after speaking & shaking his hand after the press conference that he's as shrewd as they come.

Allstate says drivers are in good hands and have used this marketing slogan to perfection. The NFL is in good hands with Goodell.

Thursday's ruling to suspend Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte' Stallworth for one year under the league's personal conduct policy appears to be the right decision for a man that plea bargained his way into getting just a 24 day jail sentence for DUI manslaughter that ended the life of Mario Reyes on March 14 in Miami with a blood-alcohol level of .126, above Florida's .08 legal limit.

If Reyes, a 59-year old construction crane operator had been killed by somebody else other than a professional athlete, the legal penalties would have been far more severe than they were in this case.

Unfortunately, the problem with today's athletes is they can buy there way out of trouble.

Even though Goodell has made the right decision on Stallworth, I personally believe that Stallworth should have been suspended for at least two years or even banished by the league permanently.

Stallworth, 28, killed another person and that's all there is to it! Goodell saw things this way and that's why he came down hard on Stallworth. Whether Stallworth ever plays in the NFL remains to be seen. Yes, he'll pay a huge price in the wallet for missing this season and like former Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick, his reputation is shot.

Vick is having a hard time finding work. But to Vick's credit, he served his jail time for dog fighting. What Vick did was wrong and having been a dog owner, killing animals is disgusting.

But Vick did pay the price financially and with his reputation.

One thing Vick does have going for him is Tony Dungy is mentoring him. I do believe that Vick does deserve a second chance and his work with animal groups including the Humane Society is a step in the right direction. Dungy will help him get back in the NFL.

As for Stallworth, he's a different story. I doubt that Dungy would mentor him. He killed a human being! Period!

Even though Goodell says the legal system's shorter sentence played no part in his decision and he punished Stallworth based on killing another human being, deep down inside, I do believe that the commissioner created his own justice. I feel the legal shorter sentence played a part in his tougher decision.

If there is something positive that should come out of Goodell's hammer, all players better beware that this sheriff is "Walking Tall" and isn't afraid to use his sledge hammer. Full 16-game season's will be lost.

I've always detested alcohol and Stallworth just reinforced why I can't stand this liquid killer.

Scott Morganroth can be reached at scottsports33@aol.com