Will Roger Goodell Punish Cedric Benson?

In 2005 Cedric Benson was drafted fourth overall by the Chicago Bears. Benson signed a 5-year contract for $35 million with a possible $16 million in bonuses. Now after three disappointing years, 1593 yards gained, 10 touchdowns, several injuries, and two intoxicated incidents, Cedric Benson is no longer a Chicago Bear. General Manager Jerry Angelo stated "Cedric displayed a pattern of behavior we will not tolerate".

Cedric Benson is no Pacman Jones. Shoot Pacman Jones isn't even Pacman Jones. The media convicts professional athletes before courts do. After Benson's release there has been rumors about Cedric being done in the NFL for good. These rumors are ridiculous. This is another case of a young man with money who might party a little too hard and make "impaired" judgments. Very bad judgments, but forgivable. If Adam "Pacman" Jones can get another chance at life in the NFL, than Benson will as well. Jones was recently given partial reinstatement to the NFL and is now allowed to practice with his new team the Dallas Cowboys. As you might remember this is not the first time the Bears have released a high profile starter from their football team. In June of 2007 the Bears released defensive star Tank Johnson after an alcohol related incident. Anyone remember what happened to Tank Johnson after his incident and release from the Bears? He was suspended eight games by commissioner Roger Goodell and now plays for the Dallas Cowboys.

Roger Goodell has established himself early in his career as NFL commissioner as a regulator. I think Goodell would suspend his own kids from school if they refused to do the dishes. He has taken punishment in the NFL to new levels by handing out record fines to the Patriots and record suspensions to players Tank Johnson, Chris Henry, and Adam Jones. Officer...I mean commissioner Roger Goodell is even expecting better behavior out of NFL Fans. Is there a line where the rules start interfering with attendance and ratings? No, the NFL is too popular and even the Detroit Lions sell out games. Goodell is trying to change the league's image, but when you have 1500+ men trained to inflict pain on each other on the football field, it's near impossible to keep them incident free.

So what is Roger Goodell to do with Cedric Benson? If previous instances are any indicator than Benson will receive a 4-8 game suspension. Prediction: Cedric Benson will receive an 8 game suspension. After the suspension is completed he will sign a 3-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys.