NFL Off Topic

[wwharton]

Re: NFL Off Topic 2012

But the NFL's replacement officials would presumably have credentials. Random fan tryouts though?

This would never happen (not a bad idea but just won't happen) but they'd never be random. They'd be random in the way that Pros vs Joes is random, or the show to walk on the team with Bobby Knight was... or really how any performance based reality show is random. Speaking hypothetically about it, it could involve refs from HS, club leagues, etc... guys that know what they're doing to some degree but never had an insider to get them on the professional radar. I don't see it happening because the most likely would be college refs and you'd think they'd be looked at without the hoopla anyway.

I'm not sure about it hurting the credibility of the position though. I actually kind of feel like it could bring a greater understanding of the responsibilities and bring MORE credibility to it. It's fun to call these guys idiots but digging deeper, they've got a tough job even if they were left alone to just get better at it year after year. But then you factor in the drastic rule changes yearly, and other rules that are enforced differently yearly and it just makes it that much tougher. A show like that could show us things from the ref's perspective, as well as even get a clearer understanding of the rules as the NFL would like them enforced.

In short, we'd be smarter fans so even if we still have criticism it'd be educated. Most of the things we complain about now come from ignorance to the actual rules or how the refs are expected to be implementing them. The anger is probably misdirected most of the time.

[N51_rob]

Re: NFL Off Topic 2012

Wwharton basically fleshed out my idea. I know plenty of HS refs that would jump at the opportunity to be an NFL ref. Not that they are good enough IMO (lol), but no it would not be "Hey you UPS delivery guy want to be a NFL ref?" type situation. If it were to be done.

[TheShizNo1]

I think I just read Blackmon is pleading not guilty? WTF exactly is he gonna say?

[N51_rob]

Re: NFL Off Topic 2012

I think I just read Blackmon is pleading not guilty? WTF exactly is he gonna say?

Nothing, plead not guilty and let your lawyer earn his $$$. Probably get him to plead on a lesser charge. (Wreckless Driving, Speeding, Wreckless endagerment) all lesser (I think) that taking a DUI with a .24 BAC.

[TheShizNo1]

I hear that, but watching PTI, they had some good points. The fact that this has happened twice before even preseason says he may actually have an alcohol problem. He's also a potential threat to others when he drinks. This isn't a issue, it's a problem.

[NDAlum]

Re: NFL Off Topic 2012

Actually pleading not guilty does not fall in line with defense attorney's and DA's negotiating lesser charges. Usually the DA will offer lesser charges for the defendant to plead guilty.

By pleading not guilty the case is set to go to trial before a judge to determine guilt/innocence. This trial will be on the listed charges, not lesser charges.

My personal opinion:

Money grab by the lawyer. He tries to convince Blackmon he can get him off by some type of technicality. Blackmon is young and dumb...believes the lawyer. Lawyer spends an absurd amount of time on the case and racks up a huge tab for Blackmon. Lawyer also gets plenty of pub for repping Blackmon.

I'm cynical

To add: Blackmon was pulled over for speeding. Consented to a alcosensor and blew a .24 Game over. You can't fight that.

Defense attorney's will argue about the smallest detail until they are blue in the face. One time a defense attorney tried to get this guy off a DWI because the arresting officer didn't appear to be completely looking at the defendant. State law mandates a visual be kept on the drunk driver during a 15 minute time frame before performing an alcosensor at intake.

LOL!

[wwharton]

Re: NFL Off Topic 2012

Nothing, plead not guilty and let your lawyer earn his $$$. Probably get him to plead on a lesser charge. (Wreckless Driving, Speeding, Wreckless endagerment) all lesser (I think) that taking a DUI with a .24 BAC.

Yeah, depending on the area and probably the judge, this type of thing could result in jail time. The plea is probably so his lawyer can make sure he gets as little (non-monetary) punishment as possible.

I hear that, but watching PTI, they had some good points. The fact that this has happened twice before even preseason says he may actually have an alcohol problem. He's also a potential threat to others when he drinks. This isn't a issue, it's a problem.

I really hate commenting on these things bc all that matters is how dangerous drinking and driving is, and I don't want to sound like I'm defending the act. But it really worries me when people look at one thing and try to use it to speculate about them as a person in the same way they look at last year's stats and try to project their future. The reality is college kids drink... many high school kids drink. It's bad but it's the truth, and most of us probably couldn't care less as long as they don't drive over the limit. If his first one was about him being underage while blowing under the limit, then the type of assumption made in that PTI segment is completely off based. Not to mention, having two cases of drinking in excess (if we assume the first was in excess which it doesn't sound like) doesn't point to a problem. Multiple cases that can range from DUI's to bar fights could indicate a problem, but it's insane for them to make that connection here.

What it does say to me is that he doesn't respect the severity of the crime and his place in society or as an NFL player. There are laws broken all the time but this is one intended to save lives and it'd appear his self consumption is more important than realizing that. And, just as important is the lack of respect for the opportunity in front of him and how easily it can be taken away.

If we want to look at that, we could think that he will have a history of off field problems that will make him a headache for the Jags who never reaches his potential (see Pacman Jones). Or that "his world" is bigger than the real world which could stunt his development and make him an on the field and club house problem (see Vince Young). Alcohol wouldn't have anything to do with either situation, but his approach to handling it could be a flag paired with others to show one of these things. But thinking like this also leaves a greater possibility that he's just a kid that made a stupid mistake, and this process will teach him to do better. Already saying he has an alcohol problem is a much worse perception to shake.

[wwharton]

Re: NFL Off Topic 2012

Actually pleading not guilty does not fall in line with defense attorney's and DA's negotiating lesser charges. Usually the DA will offer lesser charges for the defendant to plead guilty.

By pleading not guilty the case is set to go to trial before a judge to determine guilt/innocence. This trial will be on the listed charges, not lesser charges.

My personal opinion:

Money grab by the lawyer. He tries to convince Blackmon he can get him off by some type of technicality. Blackmon is young and dumb...believes the lawyer. Lawyer spends an absurd amount of time on the case and racks up a huge tab for Blackmon. Lawyer also gets plenty of pub for repping Blackmon.

I'm cynical

To add: Blackmon was pulled over for speeding. Consented to a alcosensor and blew a .24 Game over. You can't fight that.

Defense attorney's will argue about the smallest detail until they are blue in the face. One time a defense attorney tried to get this guy off a DWI because the arresting officer didn't appear to be completely looking at the defendant. State law mandates a visual be kept on the drunk driver during a 15 minute time frame before performing an alcosensor at intake.

LOL!

That does make more sense... but certainly hope not.

[N51_rob]

Re: NFL Off Topic 2012

Actually pleading not guilty does not fall in line with defense attorney's and DA's negotiating lesser charges. Usually the DA will offer lesser charges for the defendant to plead guilty.

By pleading not guilty the case is set to go to trial before a judge to determine guilt/innocence. This trial will be on the listed charges, not lesser charges.

My personal opinion:

Money grab by the lawyer. He tries to convince Blackmon he can get him off by some type of technicality. Blackmon is young and dumb...believes the lawyer. Lawyer spends an absurd amount of time on the case and racks up a huge tab for Blackmon. Lawyer also gets plenty of pub for repping Blackmon.

I'm cynical

To add: Blackmon was pulled over for speeding. Consented to a alcosensor and blew a .24 Game over. You can't fight that.

Defense attorney's will argue about the smallest detail until they are blue in the face. One time a defense attorney tried to get this guy off a DWI because the arresting officer didn't appear to be completely looking at the defendant. State law mandates a visual be kept on the drunk driver during a 15 minute time frame before performing an alcosensor at intake.

LOL!

You are probably right. I know in Maryland you get arrested on a DUI. You spend the night in the drunk tank, then have anywhere from 2-6 months before you are due back in court. You are let go ROR and are handed a mailed your court date. So most of the, discovery and plea negations happen during that time period. This seems like such a quick turnaroud.

[TheShizNo1]

I hear you wwharton but can't buy the college kid thing. I just graduated from college and am over 21. When we go to one's house to drink, keys are taken and turned it when it's gonna be that kind of celebration. If we have a gathering and one starts to leave that seems drunk we take his/her keys, even if it means roughing up. It's called responsibility and accountability. I agree you can't paint the picture of his life by this instance, but I wasn't. He could be a great guy, but 2 DUI's in that short spam of time says something. Either he has a problem, is wreckless, or dumb. You get to a point, no matter the tolerance, when you say to yourself you probably shouldn't drive. Some accept, others ignore it. He's ignored twice.

[jb12780]

Re: NFL Off Topic 2012

60 in a 35 + .24 BAC will be a tough one for Mr. Blackmon IMO.

Get a cab. Even if he drove TO the bar/club, parking ticket > DUI.

EDIT: Just saw in a Washington Post article that said his charge was only a misdemeanor? Can someone enlighten me here?

[wwharton]

Re: NFL Off Topic 2012

I hear you wwharton but can't buy the college kid thing. I just graduated from college and am over 21. When we go to one's house to drink, keys are taken and turned it when it's gonna be that kind of celebration. If we have a gathering and one starts to leave that seems drunk we take his/her keys, even if it means roughing up. It's called responsibility and accountability. I agree you can't paint the picture of his life by this instance, but I wasn't. He could be a great guy, but 2 DUI's in that short spam of time says something. Either he has a problem, is wreckless, or dumb. You get to a point, no matter the tolerance, when you say to yourself you probably shouldn't drive. Some accept, others ignore it. He's ignored twice.

Like I said, I'm not making excuses for it at all. But the reality is most college aged kids (underage) drink, and unfortunately, most aren't as responsible as you. It's not a pass on them, but it's much different than someone having a drinking problem which is what they're suggesting. I didn't think you were painting a picture of his life, I was referring to Tony and Mike on PTI. I would point to wreckless or dumb long before "he's got a problem with alcohol" based on what we know.

And wreckless/dumb paints a much different picture than being an alcoholic... especially for a professional athlete.

[NDAlum]

Re: NFL Off Topic 2012

60 in a 35 + .24 BAC will be a tough one for Mr. Blackmon IMO.

Get a cab. Even if he drove TO the bar/club, parking ticket > DUI.

EDIT: Just saw in a Washington Post article that said his charge was only a misdemeanor? Can someone enlighten me here?

There are different classifications of misdemeanors. His BAC and speeding will be labeled as grossly aggravating factors, which play into sentencing.

You have to be habitual DWI or seriously injure/kill somebody to get a felony driving!

[NDAlum]

Re: NFL Off Topic 2012

Like I said, I'm not making excuses for it at all. But the reality is most college aged kids (underage) drink, and unfortunately, most aren't as responsible as you. It's not a pass on them, but it's much different than someone having a drinking problem which is what they're suggesting. I didn't think you were painting a picture of his life, I was referring to Tony and Mike on PTI. I would point to wreckless or dumb long before "he's got a problem with alcohol" based on what we know.

And wreckless/dumb paints a much different picture than being an alcoholic... especially for a professional athlete.

I agree with your mindset as it's just a mistake. However I think it's a huge mistake. I heard a good analogy on the radio: DWI's aren't all the same...stealing a candy bar isn't the same as robbing a bank. Mr. Blackmon robbed a bank lol

Dear Jags: I would love to make $75k/year driving around Mr. Blackmon anywhere he wants.

BTW people it is reckless, not wreckless lol

Can't you guys see the squiggly red lines under wreckless?

[l3ulvl]

Re: NFL Off Topic 2012

Like I said, I'm not making excuses for it at all. But the reality is most college aged kids (underage) drink, and unfortunately, most aren't as responsible as you. It's not a pass on them, but it's much different than someone having a drinking problem which is what they're suggesting. I didn't think you were painting a picture of his life, I was referring to Tony and Mike on PTI. I would point to wreckless or dumb long before "he's got a problem with alcohol" based on what we know.

And wreckless/dumb paints a much different picture than being an alcoholic... especially for a professional athlete.

I agree here, and was thinking the same thing when I watched PTI. It reminds me of situations with a couple Detroit athletes, Ndamukong Suh & Miguel Cabrera. The minute an athlete or celebrity get into an alcohol related incident they rush to judgment and declare everyone an alcoholic. In Cabrera's case (because of multiple offenses) it's somewhat understandable, but we still don't know his regular routine so it's hard to say for ourselves. With Suh it seemed completely off base and irresponsible to immediately say he has a problem with alcohol because he got into 1 incident. It's not like it relates to the rest of his incidents, which occur on the field, unless they discover he plays drunk, which then I'd agree he has a problem.