OT :Roger "Deflategate" Goodell wants to make decisions based on science

Submitted by MGoFoam on September 13th, 2023 at 6:37 PM

Roger Godell, the guy who propagated "Deflategate" because nobody understood the Ideal Gas Law that I learned in Chemistry Class in 10th grade, now wants to base decisions on science! Subsequent to Aaron Rodgers injury, the NFLPA has called for all stadiums to be natural grass, though some players apparently think Field Turf is great. Goodell says, "the NFL and the NFLPA will lean on science and data before making any leaguewide decisions on the issue." OMG!!

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38391956/after-aaron-rodgers-injury-nflpa-calls-grass-all-stadiums

Football

stephenrjking

September 13th, 2023 at 10:52 PM ^

"We will follow science" can be something of a virtue-signal mantra at times. It is, however, possible that Goodell actually means this, which would be a startling concession to the player's union--this would mean that it is an issue that is not a contract bargaining chip, but something that the League is willing to consider simply for the good of the game. 

I am a bit suspicious that this is not, in fact, Goodell's motive, but we'll wait and see. The data has already driven a move away from slit-film fields, and that has to be considered a step up.

I don't find the "they're doing it for soccer!" argument to hold weight. First, a lot of stadiums are not hosting the World Cup, including a huge swath through the middle of the country in areas most affected by significant cold weather. Second, using grass for a one-off event over the course of one summer is not the same as committing to a full grass field over the course of many years. 

I actually find details on field constructions, both grass and synthetic, to be fascinating, so this stuff always intrigues me. I don't know that you can make a one-size-fits-all solution. Solutions that work well in European soccer stadiums won't necessarily work in the much harsher climate of the upper midwest, and a solution that works in the vast expanse of metropolitan Phoenix isn't necessarily suitable for an old domed stadium crammed into the heart of New Orleans. 

But who knows? Maybe Real Madrid's innovative solution finds real traction. It's expensive, but the NFL isn't begging for money. 

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Bill Brasky

September 14th, 2023 at 4:29 AM ^

I feel they’ve already started the narrative that “there is no data to show that grass is safer than turf.” And that is where they say, “we will follow the science.” It’s convenient to follow the science when it aligns with your pocketbooks, I mean values. Personally, they still haven’t followed the science completely on traumatic brain injury, so I’m still skeptical.

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uminks

September 14th, 2023 at 1:24 AM ^

What type of field turf does Michigan stadium have? I remember when we switched to grass in '93 and at times the field turned into a muddy mess through the 90s into 2002.

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Swayze Howell Sheen

September 14th, 2023 at 8:21 AM ^

Weird connection to deflategate.

You have to admit though, with the Patriots, "if you ain't cheating you ain't tryin" was a way of life.

Of course, they were really good, but did look to get an edge anywhere they could. 

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