5 Times NFL commissioner Roger Goodell flexed his power with player suspensions

#3 - Dominic Rhodes

Wild Card Playoffs - New York Jets v Indianapolis Colts

Former Indianapolis Colts running back Dominic Rhodes was also hit with a lengthy suspension by Roger Goodell for drug violations. Rhodes was first suspended in 2007 for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. By the time he was suspended for the third time in 2011, it had signaled the end of his pro career.

Rhodes and eight other free agents were suspended, likely due to failing a third drug test. The suspension was indefinite, but he was reinstated in 2014. However, Rhodes never played in the league again.

#4 - Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns Offseason Workout

Myles Garrett was also suspended indefinitely by Roger Goodell after an altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. Garrett removed Rudolph’s helmet before hitting him over the head with it, an incident that many fans couldn’t quite believe.

Garrett was immediately suspended for the remainder of the 2019 season and fined over $45,000. He then had to meet Goodell and the league representatives in person to be reinstated for the 2020 season.

#5 - Calvin Ridley

Carolina Panthers v Atlanta Falcons

Perhaps the most peculiar suspension in recent times was handed out to Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Ridley stepped away from football in 2021, and while he was away, he wasn’t playing; he was placing bets on the Falcons to win. This didn’t go down well with Goodell, who suspended Ridley indefinitely and for the entire 2022 season.

On the suspension, Goodell commented:

"Your actions put the integrity of the game at risk, threatened to damage public confidence in professional football, and potentially undermined the reputations of your fellow players throughout the NFL."