John Oliver NFL Rant: 'Boo' Roger Goodell For How He Handled Ray Rice, Domestic Violence
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has come under fire for how he has handled recent domestic violence cases involving several star football players, most famous among them the incident wherein Ray Rice was recorded knocking his wife unconscious in a hotel elevator. Though the issue of domestic violence is undoubtedly serious, John Oliver hilariously tore apart Goodell's performance and most recent apology on Sunday's "Last Week Tonight."
In an extended web segment, Oliver lays out the most recent domestic violence incidents involving NFL players. Greg Hardy, Ray McDonald, Adrian Peterson and Jonathan Dwyer have made headlines following the release of the Ray Rice video by TMZ. With plenty of scrutiny on the NFL and its players, Goodell has been less than impressive when it comes to delivering solutions to the domestic violence issue.
On Friday, Goodell apologized for how he has handled the recent domestic violence issues. "I got it wrong on a number of levels. From the process that I led to the decision I reached. But now I will get it right and do whatever is necessary to accomplish that," said Goodell in the press conference.
Oliver focuses his attention on Friday's press conference, saying Goodell spent 45 minutes answering none of the questions that have been raised regarding domestic violence in the NFL.
Oliver's impression of Goodell's conference is pretty spectacular: "And in so saying, I have effectively made sounds which, when put together, constitute words, which can then be turned into sentences that make noise that travel into your ears...and that's 45 minutes, I've done it! Goodell out! 'Clear eyes, full heart.' Can't take my job, f**k you!"
Despite the seemingly unanimous opinion criticizing Goodell's performance, there are a few people people who are defending the NFL commissioner. Lanny Davis, a former special counsel to President Bill Clinton and works in legal crisis management, penned a CNN op-ed defending Goodell. "When everyone is piling on, it's time to take a breath and say: We need more facts, less reliance on media reports based on anonymous sources and over-heated pundits who are too ready to rush to judgment," Davis said. The attorney said Goodell admitted he was wrong, set up a plan to address the issue and ordered an independent investigation.
Is Oliver right for criticizing Goodell or does Davis make a compelling argument regarding crisis management? Vote below!
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