The Browns, Scott Fujita and Bounty Gate!

Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita has stated that he indeed did partake in the "Bounty System. This " Pay for Pain" system is being defined by numerous sports writers as a program that truly rivals a mob style program that would leave Al Pacino in envy. The object is simple, search and destroy a targeted player, leaving him possibly unable to continue playing--a plan only "The Godfather" could love!

Reading headlines regarding the involvement of the New Orleans Saints participation in such a program leaves one with an impression of certain players huddled in a dark corner discussing the "Hit", who will do it and whats the cash reward--truly the makings of another crime family movie. Before we decide whether the good guy should be Elliot Ness or of course Maxwell Smart, we must determine who the bad guys are.

"Over the years, I've paid out a lot of money for big plays like interceptions, sacks and special teams tackles inside the 20," Fujita told Sports Illustrated.

Tackles, interceptions and sacks, this is what Fujita paid the so-called bounty cash for--performance that is common and required of players would wish to continue playing in the NFL. Performance pay or kicking in a little extra cash as an incentive is nothing new. Out here in common mans land it is quite common for companies to give performance checks to employees, piece work--the more you produce, the more you get paid.

Reports of players being paid $1000 and $1500 for making that crucial sack or interception sounds like a decent chunk of change. In reality that linebacker, who is already plowing his way to the quarterback, with hopes of smashing the target into the turf is already making a couple hundred grand or more, doubtful that handing him a "Grover Cleveland" is going to matter that much--little more than a slap on the back for a job well done.

NFL players are an elite group that are paid massive amounts of cash to play violent football and perform crushing blows on quarterbacks, receivers and running-backs--why would the offer of an extra $1000 have any true impact on his performance, especially to intentionally injure or cripple an opponent?

If any allegations coming out of "Bounty Gate" are true regarding the intentional injury to another player, then owners, coaches and players involved should be dealt with immediately for the safety of all players.

However, if this is merely teammates tossing spare change (given what they make it is) around as a job well done gesture--fans and media must accept that these are big violent athletes who get paid to perform against other big violent athletes. Tossing your employee some extra cash for a job well done, taking him to dinner or buying him a brew is merely a thank you--or does that change if you make "Mega-Bucks" ?

Quotes from The News-Herald

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