Mark Schlereth Agrees With Troy Polamalu, Calls NFL '100 Percent Hypocritical'

Steelers safety Troy Polamalu created a stir this week when he said the NFL is turning into a "pansy game" by fining players for hard hits. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shot back, saying his only interest is in protecting players from injuries. But one player who knows something about NFL injuries says Goodell is full of it:

That was Mark Schlereth, a former NFL offensive lineman who had about two dozen knee surgeries and is now an ESPN analyst, explaining that the league isn't quite as concerned about player safety as it likes to let on.

"I absolutely agree with Troy Polamalu," Schlereth said. "I think it is 100% hypocritical of the National Football League. I think it's ridiculous. I don't think the National Football League truly has the interests of the players at heart here. They have the interests of that insignia, that NFL logo. That's what they're worried about. They're not truly worried about the health of these players. Because you know what? Once you're retired and once you go away -- like me -- they don't care anymore."

Schlereth points out that the NFL sells videos that celebrate hard hits. Perhaps the NFL could devote the proceeds from those videos to help defray the healthcare costs of retired players.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

10-17-2008 @ 5:32PM

Thatsabsurd said...

Goodell****************************************

Goodell*****************************************

He is the worst thing that ever could have happened to this league.

Freaking wimpy pansy himself being bullied and pushed around by owners (the mob) left and right ball-less scumbag piece of crap.

Phony pretty boy and egotistical freak that shouldn't be allowed to step foot near an NFL player.

We haven't seen anything yet this idiot will destroy this sport as bad as the idiots on wallstreet destroyed the economy.

GOODELL NEEDS TO GA ..........NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10-17-2008 @ 8:10PM

dubbz3030 said...

OK OK I GET IT. The NFL is just trying to make as much money back as they can since they are clearly paying the players way, WAY too much. I get it. not all the players, but alot of them. so the use the "Protecting The Players" line as a front because.....hmmmmmmmmmm oh yeah!!!! NFL PLAYERS HIT REALLY HARD!

Put it this way:
(NFL Player makes a great hit = $XX,000) x 10 per week
Times that by 17 weeks and you got yourself a good ol fashioned Corporation thats takes the dollars right out of the employees pockets.

YEAH I SAID IT. Goodell is stealing money right in front of us.

While we are watching "Football" on tv, Goodell is watching his Christmas bonus go up hit...by hit...by hit.

10-18-2008 @ 9:21AM

Czarny said...

So if Goodell is "stealing" this money, I guess that makes him Robin Hood. The money from fines goes to charities. He is "stealing" from the rich and giving to the poor. I agree the amount of fines is becoming rediculous, but to say that this money is going to Goodell's bonus is plain stupid.

10-17-2008 @ 11:26PM

Brian Grummell said...

College football, folks. Watch it, enjoy it.

The NFL is completely programmed, catering mostly to the fantasy football nerds and destroying an increasingly uninteresting product on the field.

The NFL wasn't always boring ... but college football has never been boring.

10-19-2008 @ 7:56AM

Havok said...

Most of the players are a bunch of pansies anyway. Just look at all the drama made about Romo's freakin' pinkie. I can't stand watching the NFL network anymore. They celebrate losers like Pacman and TO all the time. Most players are overly paid so fIning them a few thousands won't hurt them at all. Schlereth can whine all he wants, the NFL is a business and is being run like one.