And the Verdict is...?

GUILTY!

...but we've known that. In matter of fact, we - the Who Dats - have known that since early March. So what's the hold up on the rest of our punishments?

The NFL has made it pretty known that they aren't taken the bounty scandal lightly. Coach Sean Payton is suspended for a year, GM Mickey Loomis is suspended for the first 8 games of the season, Assistant Coach\Interim HC is suspended for the first 6 games of the season, and the organization was hit with a $500,000 fine and the lost of some draft picks in this year and next year draft. Not to mention former DC Gregg Williams indefinite suspension from the NFL. And now, the final part of these punishments; the player suspensions.

The initial investigation found that between 22 and 27, former and current players were involved in the scandal. Given Mr. Goodell's reputation; we should expect the worse but the process has been dragged out for the past 2 months. Weekly "leaks" has suggested that the penalties would come as early as last week but the commish did not want to "interfere" with the draft. That's cool; I understand that, but don't think the punishments aren't already drafted sitting on some one's desk right now somewhere. It took approximately 18 days for the NFL to issue their first wave punishments against the Saints organization...we are now on day 60.

Granted, I can only imagine the amount of work that goes into an investigation such as this one. Speaking with the organization, NFL Players Association, owners etc. can take months but, as we've seen since he has taken over, he is THE COMMISH! He has the power to do what he wants; when he wants. Unlike his predecessor Paul Tagliabue, Goodell understands the full extent of his power as the commissioner and he isn't afraid to use it...heavily.

It's time to git'er done Commish. I dare to speculate that the reason behind the stalled process is personal driven but I'm not one to dive into conspiracy theories. We need to know sooner than later or better yet, now. The task to solidify a team without it's leaders is already an enormous one but throwing in the uncertainty of if players will be there come opening day kick-off is asking a dog to run a race with 2 legs! Unfair is an understatement.

So c'mon commish; stop pouring salt in our wounds. We have enough injuries to last this year.