Source: WR Edwards will NOT face suspension

[polamalubeast]

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/n...ory?id=5332152

Source: No ban for Jets' EdwardsEmail Print Comments By Rich Cimini
ESPNNewYork.com
Archive
New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards, who pleaded no contest in January to misdemeanor assault stemming from an incident outside a Cleveland nightclub, will not be suspended by the NFL under its personal-conduct policy, a league source told ESPNNewYork.com on Saturday.



It had been widely speculated that Edwards would receive at least a one-game ban for punching a man, an acquaintance of NBA star LeBron James, last October when Edwards was a member of the Cleveland Browns. Instead of a suspension, it's believed that Edwards will be fined an undisclosed amount by the league.



[+] EnlargeTony Kurdzuk/The Star Ledger/US Presswire
The Jets will have Braylon Edwards in uniform Sept. 13 at the new Meadowlands.This is important news for the Jets, who had been bracing for the possibility of being without two receivers for the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. They already know they won't have Santonio Holmes, who faces a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. The Jets were aware of the pending suspension when they acquired Holmes from the Pittsburgh Steelers.


It also means the Jets probably won't try to sign veteran free agent Laveranues Coles, who was released by the Cincinnati Bengals. They had been showing some interest in Coles as a potential insurance policy.



During the Jets' playoff run in January, Edwards flew to Cleveland for a court appearance. He pleaded no contest to aggravated disorderly conduct. He received probation, a suspended 180-day jail sentence and a $1,000 fine.



After the plea, Edwards said he was hopeful that he'd avoid a suspension, claiming it was his first brush with the law.



Edwards, who was traded by the Browns a few days after the incident, finished with 35 catches for 541 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games with the Jets. They retained Edwards, a restricted free agent, by signing him to a one-year contract for his tender amount -- $6.1 million.



Insisting that he'd like to sign a long-term deal with the Jets, Edwards was an offseason star during the team's conditioning program. Coach Rex Ryan named Edwards as one of the most impressive players in the offseason.



Rich Cimini covers the Jets for ESPNNewYork.com. Follow him on Twitter.

[st33lersguy]

Braylon Edwards doesn't get suspended for something proven but Ben gets suspended for being accused of something? Hey Goodell Braylon doesn't play for the patriots

[kielbasasteeler]

Braylon Edwards doesn't get suspended for something proven but Ben gets suspended for being accused of something? Hey Goodell Braylon doesn't play for the patriots

One was for rape, the other was for a punch.

Id rather have assaulters than rapists active in the league***

*** proven or not.

[BuddhaBus]

One was for rape, the other was for a punch.

Id rather have assaulters than rapists active in the league***

*** proven or not.

When did Ben get convicted of rape? This is some breaking news! Ben has never even been charged with a crime. Yes, he made some exceedingly poor decisions and seems to be somewhat of an ass to women, but there has been NO solid proof of any sexual assault OR rape. There is actual proof of Edwards' transgression... and no suspension. Goodell becomes more and more of a joke each day with his double standards and nonsensical/uneven punishments. WTF!!!! I CRY SHENANIGANS!!!!!

[kielbasasteeler]

When did Ben get convicted of rape? This is some breaking news! Ben has never even been charged with a crime. Yes, he made some exceedingly poor decisions and seems to be somewhat of an ass to women, but there has been NO solid proof of any sexual assault OR rape. There is actual proof of Edwards' transgression... and no suspension. Goodell becomes more and more of a joke each day with his double standards and nonsensical/uneven punishments. WTF!!!! I CRY SHENANIGANS!!!!!

I did say proven or NOT. read first then reply.

Nobody knows if Ben Raped the girl, only on guesses. Only did the english find out that after a million years did the military do something wrong the other day (or didn't in public shootings).

I for one would rather have an accused assaulter in my league than an accused rapist.

Alot of NFL Players are in fights, not alot rape. Especially a second scenario...

Anyway it will give us an opportunity for a nice mid range draft pick again.

[SteelCityMom]

I did say proven or NOT. read first then reply.

Nobody knows if Ben Raped the girl, only on guesses. Only did the english find out that after a million years did the military do something wrong the other day (or didn't in public shootings).

I for one would rather have an accused assaulter in my league than an accused rapist.

Alot of NFL Players are in fights, not alot rape. Especially a second scenario...

Anyway it will give us an opportunity for a nice mid range draft pick again.

Hey, think of it this way...not even the girl was sure if she was raped or not. She was asked a few times and once she said no, once she said I'm not sure, and once she said yes I think so.

[BigNastyDefense]

I did say proven or NOT. read first then reply.

Nobody knows if Ben Raped the girl, only on guesses. Only did the english find out that after a million years did the military do something wrong the other day (or didn't in public shootings).

I for one would rather have an accused assaulter in my league than an accused rapist.

Alot of NFL Players are in fights, not alot rape. Especially a second scenario...

Anyway it will give us an opportunity for a nice mid range draft pick again.

That was a horrible analogy. The shooters of the English army on that day KNEW they were doing something illegal.

And btw, when a girl says "I don't know if I was raped", then she wasn't raped. There's no "kind of". You either had consensual sex with someone or you didn't, it's a rather cut and dry. And the fact that the DA didn't even want to match DNA inside her to Ben Roethlisberger seems kind of fishy to me anyhow. If they could match it, then that would prove beyond a reasonable doubt that sex did occur between the two that night, strengthening the case for rape.

So you're in the same camp as Roger Goodell, that an accusation is enough for a player to have a suspension, or in your case blackballed by the league.

Well, for your sake I hope your employer doesn't feel the same way. Otherwise if someone were to ever accuse you of something you didn't do....you'd be out of a job and never given another one.

[Texasteel]

One was for rape, the other was for a punch.

Id rather have assaulters than rapists active in the league***

*** proven or not.

We probably should throw everyone in jail that just might have stolen something..... proven or not.

[steelerdude15]

Go figure, maybe Goodell hates the Steelers.

[ALLD]

Edwards has better hands than Sweed, but he is more name than player.

[kielbasasteeler]

Haha please dont get offended by me still being angry at Ben, It is my opinion, i respect other opinions but also the dude most likely deserved the smack from braylon...

Hopefully Ben put's this behind us because he has 3 more super bowls to win according to his target.

[xX-TSK-Xx]

Haha please dont get offended by me still being angry at Ben, It is my opinion, i respect other opinions but also the dude most likely deserved the smack from braylon...

Hopefully Ben put's this behind us because he has 3 more super bowls to win according to his target.

Believe me, I get where your comming from. I'm still mad that our starting quarterback is going to be on the bench for atleast the first four weeks. I just feel, like many others, Goodell is setting multiple double standards by suspending Ben and giving others a slap on the wrist. Do I think Ben should have been diciplined? Hell yes. It was the second accusation and the whole thing was getting out of hand. Still, I feel Goodell's punishment was to harsh. Two games probably would have got the point across.

[kielbasasteeler]

@xX-TSK-Xx

Yeah i can see where your coming from, I'm still furious at how stupid that idiot is, im going to give him a second chance... I still would of suspended him a season and banned stallworth for life.

Sorry to the others if i sounded like an ass earlier i'm just not happy with ben at the moment.

[Texasteel]

We all sound like an ass sometime. Particularly when we get mad.

[BigNastyDefense]

Hey man, I understand where you're coming from. I'm pissed that Ben made the stupid decisions that he did. However, I also believe that he did nothing illegal. Stupid isn't illegal, if it was 80% of this country would be incarcerated.

I think a four to six game suspension is complete bull. Mike Vick got less than that for a felony. I don't count his time spend in prison as time suspended, he couldn't play football during that time anyhow.

Also, Roger Goodell has set a bad precedent. So now all it takes is an accusation to possibly miss six games of a season? That's just as much bull IMHO.

[kielbasasteeler]

A great article you guys will enjoy. An interesting read.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/4...conduct-policy

[steeldawg]

"I recognize that the allegations in Georgia were disputed and that they did not result in criminal charges being filed against you. My decision today is not based on a finding that you violated Georgia law, or on a conclusion that differs from that of the local prosecutor. That said, you are held to a higher standard as an NFL player, and there is nothing about your conduct in Milledgeville that can remotely be described as admirable, responsible, or consistent with either the values of the league or the expectations of our fans."

• "Your conduct raises sufficient concerns that I believe effective intervention now is the best step for your personal and professional welfare."

• "I believe it is essential that you take full advantage of the resources available to you. My ultimate disposition in this matter will be influenced by the extent to which you do so, what you learn as a result, and a demonstrated commitment to making positive change in your life."



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10112...#ixzz0s8su0nwV

This was part of the letter outlining Bens suspension from the comish. Ithink its funny because ben was not suspended for the alleged assualt but for his conduct in milidgeville. So take away assault allegations and what do you have? A guy at a bar celebrating his birthday and he gets a 6 game suspension. I guess all these other players who were convicted of crimes were displaying behavior that was admirable and in line with the NFL's beliefs.

[Butch]

This doesn't surprise me. He slaps the cheats on the wrist for their actions and burns the tapes then comes down like a ton of bricks on Ben just because. He will use some flimsy argument to justify his means but he can not plausibly deny he is biased and in MHO a poor excuse of a commissioner.

[Texasteel]

This doesn't surprise me. He slaps the cheats on the wrist for their actions and burns the tapes then comes down like a ton of bricks on Ben just because. He will use some flimsy argument to justify his means but he can not plausibly deny he is biased and in MHO a poor excuse of a commissioner.

I have to disagree with you when I think you are wrong my friend. HE IS A PISS POOR EXCUSE.

If he were on fire I wouldn't stomp it out, unless I was wearing baseball cleats.

[kielbasasteeler]

I still dont like how goodell eliminated the patriots first round pick but still let them trade for one.

the commisioner is a pile of wank

[HometownGal]

I still dont like how goodell eliminated the patriots first round pick but still let them trade for one.

the commisioner is a pile of wank

He has shown himself to be extremely biased who picks and chooses who he is going to make examples out of. This is definitely not what an NFL Commish should be.

[Wallace108]

He has shown himself to be extremely biased who picks and chooses who he is going to make examples out of. This is definitely not what an NFL Commish should be.

I do believe this proves your point

http://www.steeluniverse.net/forums/...nsion-unlikely

Goodell said (Vince) Young, a first-time legal offender who received a misdemeanor citation for assault, was unlikely to be suspended, as he is a first-time legal offender, according to the report.

[Craic]

Oh geez people.

Once again. Simple math.

Braylon Edwards. 1 simple assault charge-- 1 PUNCH.

Roethisberger. 2nd accusation of RAPE.

2 > 1.

And every one of you knows that there is a very big difference between reality, and the legal system.

I swear, I am getting more and more confused about whether this is a Seattle fanbase or a Pittsburgh fanbase.

[X-Terminator]

Oh geez people.

Once again. Simple math.

Braylon Edwards. 1 simple assault charge-- 1 PUNCH.

Roethisberger. 2nd accusation of RAPE.

2 > 1.

And every one of you knows that there is a very big difference between reality, and the legal system.

I swear, I am getting more and more confused about whether this is a Seattle fanbase or a Pittsburgh fanbase.

Ah, but you see, there is a difference...one that you seem to be selectively overlooking:

Edwards, and Young, were charged with crimes.

Ben was NOT.

Guess which one got suspended?

Yes, they were serious accusations, but the fact of the matter is that NO CHARGES WERE PRESSED.

Please tell me you see the point, or the slippery slope that they're headed down. Once you start suspending players for accusations, then all it takes is one jilted woman or gold digger, and BAM! Their lives and reputations are ruined.

[Butch]

Oh geez people.

Once again. Simple math.

Braylon Edwards. 1 simple assault charge-- 1 PUNCH.

Roethisberger. 2nd accusation of RAPE.

2 > 1.

And every one of you knows that there is a very big difference between reality, and the legal system.

I swear, I am getting more and more confused about whether this is a Seattle fanbase or a Pittsburgh fanbase.

Sounds like you subscribe to bush's fuzzy math theory's 2 unfounded and yet to be proven accusations vs those who have been caught red handed. Yeah 2 is greater than 1. Nobody would ever claim rape if it didn't happen...funny how her story changed so much they couldn't proceed against Ben.

As for the legal system it may not be perfect but it's a helluva lot better than some if not most countries have.

[vasteeler]

ive said it before and ill say it again

art II needs to be in goodell's ear every day asking "what the ****"

[steeldawg]

Ben no assault charge no legal offenses 6 game suspension. Vince young Braylon edwards each with an assault charge no suspension. Ya did the math and it still dont add up.

[Butch]

1st off if he is a CEO he is not fired he is given a raise and a bonus to his retirement fund. JK I just couldn't resist.

Yes the NFL has a reputation to uphold that is why Good Hell suspended Belicheat for spygate and quickly burned the evidence alla "Let me make this perfectly clear" Dick Nixon. He came down real hard on Donte Stallworth who killed a man driving drunk and tried to pin blame on the guy at 1st although he later changed his tune. If that was you or me we would not only be fired but would have one helluva time getting another job. I like most others here believe Ben needed some suspension time but 4 to 6, when there is so much else that could be just as bad if not worse, is rediculous.

Good Hell reminds me of a song by Megadeath "You take a mortal man and put him in control, once he becomes a God heads are gonna roll. Just like the pied piper led rats through the streets. Dance like a marionette swaying to the symphony of destruction."

[Craic]

1st off if he is a CEO he is not fired he is given a raise and a bonus to his retirement fund. JK I just couldn't resist.

Yes the NFL has a reputation to uphold that is why Good Hell suspended Belicheat for spygate and quickly burned the evidence alla "Let me make this perfectly clear" Dick Nixon. He came down real hard on Donte Stallworth who killed a man driving drunk and tried to pin blame on the guy at 1st although he later changed his tune. If that was you or me we would not only be fired but would have one helluva time getting another job. I like most others here believe Ben needed some suspension time but 4 to 6, when there is so much else that could be just as bad if not worse, is ridiculous.

Good Hell reminds me of a song by Megadeath "You take a mortal man and put him in control, once he becomes a God heads are gonna roll. Just like the pied piper led rats through the streets. Dance like a marionette swaying to the symphony of destruction."

I think 4 is absolutely appropriate. ANd truth be told, that is exactly what I think he is going to sit-4 games.

As far as Good-deal himself making the choices, I completely agree with you. I think there should be a Discipline Committee that meets and makes decisions. That committee should be made up of former players and former coaches. All discipline should be referred to them from Good-deal, and they should hand out discipline via a broad, but firm guide (i.e. 2-6 games for this, 1-3 games for that, year to 3 year suspension for this, etc etc). No one man should be able to determine discipline, the wisdom of two is 4 times the wisdom of one.

[fansince'76]

Yes the NFL has a reputation to uphold that is why Good Hell suspended Belicheat for spygate and quickly burned the evidence alla "Let me make this perfectly clear" Dick Nixon.

He didn't suspend Belicheat. He levied a $500,000 fine against him, which in light of his $4+ million salary at the time, was a slap on the wrist. He suspended Wade Wilson (Dallas' QB coach) for 5 games, however, for using HGH for his diabetes (and without distributing it to any players) earlier in the same season.