Gregg Williams has been suspended indefinitely for his role as orchestrator of a bounty program when he was the Saints' Defensive Coordinator. Roger Goodell, the NFL's man-in-charge, handed down the suspension but has said he will review the matter at the end of the season. Essentially, Goodell has suspended Williams for the season and will decide if he wants to bring Williams back next season.
At the tail end of last week, an audio recording of Williams talking to his defense the night prior to the Saint's loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs was released. In this recording, Williams is brutal. He makes references to injuring specific players on the 49ers, using heinous phrases and sickening remarks.
We must, however, examine the context of these remarks and put them into perspective. As an everyday person, I found the audio recording to be disgusting. But, I am not an NFL athlete. Was this speech, on the eve of a massive playoff game, typical banter in NFL locker rooms? Did Williams cross-the-line or was he behaving in a similar to other coaches? I do not have the answers, however, almost every former NFL great has been asked for their opinion on the matter.
On ESPN's First Take, Cardinals kicker Jay Feely argued the league is coming down too heavily on Williams and that, while he crossed the line in his speech, this is common talk amongst coaches in NFL locker rooms. Just today, former NFL quarterback Fran Tarkenton told ESPN radio in Chicago that Williams should never be allowed to coach in the NFL again.
Still, the jury is out. Williams has been mum on the subject, apparently cooperating with the league office. Perhaps Williams' best strategy at this point. may be to look to the UFL for employment.
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