The opening week of the NFL contained many exciting storylines. Some teams seem to have risen to prominence, others seem to have lost some steam, and some capable rookies are looking to make an impact for their team this year. In terms of disciplinary action against players the only event in which the NFL took action was in fining Green Bay Corner back Charles Woodson for a punch he threw in the third quarter against Tight End David Thomas of the Saints in the season opener. According to the new NFL rules Woodson should have been immediately ejected, but luckily for him he only received a standard 15-yard penalty. Woodson said after the game
“Yeah, I threw a punch," he said. "Just got frustrated, the guy was holding me a little longer than I wanted. Nothing was said about it, referee-wise; quick enough, and I reacted. It is what it is, I guess."
As Woodson expected the NFL dished out a fine of 10,000 dollars for his disorderly conduct. Woodson also stated that after the incident he expected the fine. The commissioner has these fines in place so that the athletes will remember that the media and adoring fans of all ages watch their conduct on and off the field. Incidents happen, players sometimes lose their temper in the heat of the battle, but the NFL wants to maintain a positive image so next time a player gets frustrated hopefully the threat of a fine will help keep their emotions in check.
Another issue in the NFL was concern over the moving of the kickoff from the 30-yard line up to the 35-yard line, and if that would take away the effectiveness of the kickoff in the game plan. Although there were many more touchbacks than at this point last season, there were still many exciting kickoff returns and even some touchdowns. I’m curious to see how that rule affects the outcome of games as the season progresses.
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