Chad Ochocinco has had his run-ins with the commissioner before, but
has always shown a positive attitude regardless of the outcome, win or
lose. Those run-ins – usually resulting in fines that
Ochocinco is protesting – are typically of a good-hearted nature where
the effervescent personality of No. 85 has crossed the line for
excessive celebratory rituals.
In his latest interaction with Goodell, Ochocinco has posted an open letter to the commissioner
on his self-titled news network website: OCNN (Ocho Cinco
News Network) www.ocnnreport.com. The letter
expresses Ochocinco’s support for the commissioner during trying times
in the league and makes a request.
What is Ochocinco’s request?
That his fine money goes to help ex-players from the league.
If
that doesn’t put the ball in the Commissioner’s court on the touchy
subject of brain trauma and the well-documented health issues former
players are dealing with, not much else will. At
least that’s what
Ochocinco thinks, or perhaps hopes for.
Ochocinco, a self-proclaimed fan of the late Junior Seau, is obviously
concerned with the fan favorite's recent passing. Seau has reportedly
been suffering from symptoms of CTE (Chronic traumatic encephalopathy).
CTE is an issue rising to the forefront of the league's
dealings with former players. Players like Kyle Turley.
Former Rams/Saint offensive lineman Kyle Turley, another commissioner
fine favorite, donated his entire game check to
help former players, and then started suffering symptoms of CTE himself.
If Ochocinco's letter makes it to the commissioner's desk, that would be a good thing. If Goodell agrees to Ochocinco's proposal, perhaps we will finally see a direct impact of current players helping those who built the league we all know and love.
Here’s Ochocinco’s open letter to the Commissioner:
Dear Dad,
I know it has been a rough week, so I wanted to reach out. Players
dying, players suing and on top of that my peers are just going off on
you in the media. It does not help that ESPN has all of a sudden become
Medical TV with damn near every brain expert on the planet. This has
got to be the worst week ever. Since no one is showing any support, I
figured I would be the first. You are in one big ass catch 22 and quite
frankly, I am not sure there is any solution. One thing I think can
help is killing the NFL PR machine.
Y’all do a darn near perfect job at portraying this game as one played
by heroes.
But let’s be real dad. This is a nasty, dirty and violent game with
consequences. Sign up or go get a regular job. Watch it or turn off the
TV and go fishing with your kids. It is really that simple. I know
there are probably legal and financial implications that prevent this
blunt depiction, but am not sure if you have a choice. If you don’t say
it now, the mounting evidence being revealed publicly will say it for
you very soon. In all, I love you and if anyone can lead us out of this
mess, it will be you. Oh by the way, I have a deal for you. Am having a
rebound year and plan to do a lot of celebrating in the end zone. Can
my fine money go to supporting ex-players suffering?
Sincerely,
Chad
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