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With COVID-19 just barely entering the rear-view mirror, Damar Hamlin's injury has taken Roger Goodell from one difficult medical controversy to the next. With Hamlin still in the hospital, the outpouring of support for the Bills safety is turning into pressure on the NFL commissioner.
Speaking on The Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show, podcaster Garrett Bush tore into the commissioner over the state of affairs in the league. Here's how he put it:
"You know what the NFL will tell you? Well, you know what, 'we'll look out for the people like him.' No, you won't... The Bills owner Terry Pegula [is] worth $6.7 billion. My question to you is, 'NFL, when do salaries become guaranteed, if you know these young men are going out there, and they could die on that football field?'"
He continued, expressing anger about the state of benefits for players risking their lives on the football field:
"I don't give a damn what your thoughts and prayers are. Do the right thing... I'll be damned if I'm gonna sit up there and pat Roger Goodell on his back for running this organization the way he does. They run it like a criminal organization. Sick of it. I'm tired of that."
How many massive controversies have NFL commissioner Roger Goodell faced?
In addition to Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest in primetime, the commissioner has faced a large number of controversies in recent years. One of the biggest came in 2016, when quarterback Colin Kaepernick knelt during the National Anthem, drawing ire from seemingly half the country. The act became one that caught fire and became a national news story beyond sports.
Since then, the commissioner has also faced navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, which spawned numerous controversies. From allowing players to opt out to dealing with the vaccine, the commissioner faced one big choice after the other, each leaving both sides less than fully satisfied.
While COVID-19 was raging on, Deshaun Watson stole headlines after roughly two dozen women came forward with accusations of sexual misconduct. This led to the league suspending the quarterback for just over half the season. Fans were largely unsatisfied with the ultimate less-than-full season ban for the quarterback.
Goodell is currently wrestling with how to allow Hamlin's health to take precedence while also balancing an NFL season entering its final act.
How will Goodell handle what has already become a controversial year in 2023?
If any of the above quotes are used, please credit the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show and H/T Sportskeeda.
