By Hot Rod! The Rowdy One
Reports came out late Wednesday night that Adam “Pacman” Jones was involved in an altercation. ALLHipHop had the story up the next day with details explaining that the incident took place at the Joule Hotel in Dallas, after an event that was hosted by Ludacris, promoting the new Max Payne movie. You can read Ismael AbduSalaam’s report by clicking here.
I read the comments in Ismael AbduSalaam’s report of the incident. I’ve read the opinions of what other sports writers have written, and based on the comments from the readers of ALLHipHop and other sites, many are quick to get the man banned from the NFL. Yes, I know his track record speaks for it’s self, and I understand why he would be found guilty before he’s proven innocent. So forgive me if this week’s picks are shorter than usual, but I want to touch on this situation because this will be the hot topic for the remainder of the week.
First, why did you even attend the event Pacman? You were warned to stay away from situations like these the moment you were partially reinstated into the league and when you became a Cowboy. Yes, you have to make appearances at certain events because of your status as a celebrity, but when it comes to your situation, you have to choose a little better. Whether you realize it or not, you’re a target, and past evidence has proven that you can’t handle yourself in public without there being an altercation of some sorts.
Secondly, why in the hell were you playing “grab ass” with one of your assigned bodyguards in the bathroom of all places? According to the bodyguard, some "kidding around" and "playfulness" between himself and the player resulted in a brief scuffle in a restroom. To me, that sounds as though the bodyguard is taking the fall so that Pacman doesn’t get in any more trouble with the league. It’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye. In this case, it’s all fun and games until someone is suspended or banned from the NFL.
So what will happen to Pacman? Will the NFL ban Jones? My answer to that is, I don’t know. We are to believe that one more screw up from Jones would result in immediate dismissal from the NFL, and this was that “screw up”. The Cowboys have done their own investigation and have determined that the situation is closed and that the terms of Pacman’s contract were not violated.
Therefore, the Cowboys will not punish Jones for this latest altercation, but the same can’t be said about the “Eliot Ness” of the NFL.
The NFL and Commissioner Goodell will investigate this situation further, and Jones will receive a punishment. What type of punishment he will receive remains to be seen. Goodell has to punish Pacman, a precedent has been set. Goodell has set a “no tolerance” precedent when it comes to off the field incidents where the authorities are involved. We saw it with Chris Henry, we saw it with Tank Johnson, and now we’re going to see it again with Pacman.
Despite the Cowboys efforts to try to salvage this situation, this may have been the last straw. If that’s the case, Pacman is most likely gone from the league for the remainder of the season and that’s the best thing for him right now.
As much as I want to see Jones stay in the NFL and work through all of this, I think it’s time for him to go. He needs a ban from the NFL at least for a year. No NFL, no CFL, no Arena Football. Nothing with the words “foot” or “ball” should be associated with Jones for an entire year. There are distractions and temptations off the field that can hurt a player. When it comes to Pacman, off the field distractions are like crack to Pookie, it keeps “calling him and calling him” and that’s not good at all.
His off the field distractions don’t just affect him, but his teammates, and most importantly the fans. If it becomes known that, he initiated this last altercation, a lot of people will be hurt.
Numerous people, who have had their own issues as athletes, have come his defense; their creditability will be questioned. So will that of his teammates who have defended him and the fans that have supported him. They may claim that he’s a better person through their account, but after this last incident, it looks as though he hasn’t learned to make better choices.
They say “you learn something new every day”, well let’s hope Adam “Pacman” Jones learns something new soon before things get worse.
ALLHipHop’s NFL Game of the Week for Week 07
Poll Answers
ALLHipHop’s NFL Game of the Week
For the first time, we have a tie for the Game of the Week and they are both in the 4pm time slot. Therefore, without further ado, here they are:
ALLHipHop’s NFL Game of the Week, #1
Sunday, 10/12/08, 4pm
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3) at Denver Broncos (4-1)
Invesco Field, Denver, CO
The Bronco’s high-powered offense is too much for the Jags’ 21st ranked defense. Although the Jags are moving the ball on the ground on offense, their defense will not be able to keep up with the Broncos’ offense. Jay Cutler is playing good football by making smart throws and managing the game well on the field. Look for another “Mile High” win for the Broncos this Sunday.
My Pick: Broncos
ALLHipHop’s NFL Game of the Week, #2
Sunday, 10/12/08, 4pm
Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) at San Francisco 49ers (2-3)
Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA
Although the Eagles have dropped two in a row, they’re facing off against a Niner’s squad that’s ranked 21st on both offense and defense. Mental mistakes are killing the 49ers on both offense and defense and look for the Eagles to exploit the 49ers weaknesses. In addition, the Eagles need a win bad and they know this is the right opportunity to grab one. Look for the Eagles to take it to the 49ers’ offense and walk out of Candlestick with the win.
My Pick: Eagles
Here are the rest of the games for Week 06 in the NFL.
Sunday, 10/12/08, 1pm games
Oakland Raiders (1-3) at New Orleans Saints (2-3)
Superdome, New Orleans, LA
The Saints lost a close game to the Vikings on Monday night. Fortunately, for them, they get a Raiders’ squad whose internal issues have plagued them this season and it shows on the field.
My Pick: Saints
Cincinnati Bengals (0-5) at New York Jets (2-2)
Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ
Favre and Jets have had a week to rest after their big win against the Cardinals from 2 weeks ago. The Bengals almost beat the Cowboys last week, but almost isn’t good enough. The Bengals are still one of the worst teams in the league on defense and with the Jet seeming to find some rhythm on offense; it’s going to be a long day in East Rutherford for the Bungles.
My Pick: J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets
Chicago Bears (3-2) at Atlanta Falcons (3-2)
Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
Although the Falcons are moving the ball well on offense, the Bears’ defense is a playing solid, smart football. This is an experienced, veteran squad on the Bears’ defense and when you combine that with the Kyle Orton’s ability to manage the game well on offense and Matt Forte running the ball, you must go with the Bears.
My Pick: Bears
Detroit Lions (0-4) at Minnesota Vikings (2-3)
Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN
The Vikes pulled out the last second win last Monday. It was a hard fought battle, and what better way to celebrate a victory like that is playing against a terrible Detroit Lions squad. Yeah, the Lions are a divisional foe, but they stink.
My Pick: Vikings
St. Louis Rams (0-4) at Washington Redskins (4-1)
FedEx Field, Landover, MD
There’s no hope for the Rams. Their season was over with the 1st game of the season. The Skins have won 4 games in a row and with the Rams struggling like they are. Look for the Skins to win their 5th game in a row this Sunday.
My Pick: Redskins
Carolina Panthers (4-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
The Panther’s offense is running on all cylinders and their defense is ranked 4th in the league. The Bucs are hurting on offense and “Father Time” is lurking over this Tampa Bay squad. Too many injuries of the Bucs offense will be their downfall for the game.
My Pick: Panthers
Miami Dolphins (2-2) at Houston Texans (0-4)
Reliant Stadium, Houston, TX
Someone gave the Phins some “brave juice” for the past weeks. Winners of two in a row, I gotta go out on a limb here and roll with the Phins. Apparently, college plays do work in the NFL and it will be interesting to see if they can continue to win running that type of offense. Also, let’s not forget, the Phins’ defense is ranked 7th in the league while their offense is ranked 10th. I guess fish, or in this case tuna, is good for body and the soul.
My Pick: Dolphins
Baltimore Ravens (2-2) at Indianapolis Colts (2-2)
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
The Ravens have the best defense in the league and with the Colts offense looking stagnant; the safe bet is the Ravens in this game. The Ravens have a hard-hitting defense and with the Colts still trying to find their rhythm on offense, this looks to be a long day for Peyton Manning and the Colts at home.
My Pick: Ravens
4pm games
Green Bay Packers (2-3) at Seattle Seahawks (1-3)
Qwest Field, Seattle, WA
Both the Packers and the Seahawks are hurting with injuries. Fortunately, for the Seahawks, their offense, especially in the wide receiver department, is starting to get healthy. With Aaron Rodgers’s status still up in the air and the Packers secondary still banged up, I’m going with the Seahawks in the rematch from last year’s 2nd round playoff match-up.
My Pick: Seahawks
Dallas Cowboys (4-1) at Arizona Cardinals (3-2)
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Minus the off the field distractions, the Cowboys are a good team. As long as they stay focused going into Sunday’s game, they should have this game won. Then again, I thought the same about the Cards / Bills match-up last weekend and look at how that turned out. For the safe bet, I’m sticking with the Cowboys.
My Pick: Cowboys
Sunday Night Football, 8pm
New England Patriots (3-1) at San Diego Chargers (2-3)
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA
In another rematch from last year’s playoffs, the Brady-less Pats and the lifeless Chargers will square off. Before the season started, this game would have been a sexy pick for the Game of the Week. Now, it’s just a regular game that’s on Sunday Night Football.
The chargers’ defense looks out of synch and with the pats winning games minus Brady, I’m going to have to go with Bill Belichick and the Pats. They keep finding ways to win and you can’t count them out for that. Vengeance will not be in the corner of the Chargers this Sunday.
My Pick: Patriots
Monday Night Football, 10/13/08, 8:30pm
New York Giants (4-0) at Cleveland Browns (1-3)
Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OH
The Giants are arguably the best team in the league right. Solid play on offense and a crushing defense is the reason why the Giants are considered, by some, as the best team in the league.
The Browns are struggling despite having a win. Let’s not forget, that win came against the Bungles. I mean Bengals. We call those types of wins “moral victories”. Unfortunately, there will be no “moral victories” in this game.
My Pick: Giants
Teams with Bye weeks: Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers
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