Kudos To Costas

Lately, whenever you see a journalist interview someone about a volatile subject, there is always that feeling after the interview that the journalist was too soft; they didn’t ask the right questions. That was laid to rest when I saw Bob Costas’ interview with Roger Goodell about the Patriots’ illegal taping of the New York Jets defensive signals.

The question on a lot of people’s minds was why was Wade Wilson’s penalty more severe than Bill Belichick’s? Wade Wilson was fined $100,000, one-third of his salary and suspended for five games, for acquiring and taking HGH, supposedly as a treatment for his diabetes. Wade was not involved in any type of trafficking the HGH to any players. It was a personal undertaking. He is not a player; his taking HGH wouldn’t make Tony Romo be a better quarterback, so many felt his fine and consequence excessive.

Much to my surprise, Bob Costas asked that very question to Mr. Goodell during the interview. Mr. Goodell’s response was quick, decisive and concise. He said that Wade Wilson’s violation was illegal from a criminal perspective while Bill Belichick’s was only in violation of NFL rules. Add that to the fact that he holds coaches to a higher standard than players, he tacked on an extra game of suspension to Wade’s punishment.

My hat is off to both Mr. Costas and Mr. Goodell. Great questions were asked, understandable, fair answers were given and I didn’t come away feeling that some issues were skirted or double talk was thrown at me.

Only one question went unanswered: Am I the only one in America who felt that Bob Costas was interviewing the host of The Apprentice?

Suits Me

King Goodell has decreed that head coaches throughout the NFL kingdom can now wear suits for eight home games during the 2007 season.

Mike Nolan of the San Francisco 49ers and Jack Del Rio of the Jacksonville Jaguars have jumped at the chance to don a more formal attire. The stipulations are the suits have to be made by Reebok and have a team color theme.

Questions arise as to the design of these suits. Will they be able to wick away moisture? Will they be fleece lined? Will the pants have an elastic waist? Will they have those ‘80s shoulder pads? After all it is football.

I, for one, am all for the coaches looking a bit more dapper. I’m getting a bit sick of seeing Bill Belichick in a cutoff sweatshirt. I don’t know if he’s the head coach or the panhandler I passed on the way to the stadium.

I secretly yearn for the days of yore, when all the men wore suits and ties to ball games. Look at any photo of people in the stands at any game prior to 1963—all you see is suits. It looks like a Blues Brothers Promisekeepers meeting.

Hell, while we’re at it, let’s have the commentators wear fedoras. I would love to see John Madden in a homburg with a press card in the hatband.

All in all, I feel it’s a great way to add some class to the game. I am looking forward to seeing Norv Turner’s choice on throwback day. Something in a double breasted powder blue would suit me just fine.