NFL Super Bowl Baba Ghanoush: Super Bowl XLVII, Ray Lewis and Roger Goodell
Welcome football fans to a super version of the Baba Ghanoush. In honor of Super Bowl XLVII, I’m going to have a quick preview of the game and its events (other writers on our site have more in-depth previews of the game itself), as well as plenty of other NFL action from the past week. This includes more allegations of Ray Lewis, Roger Goodell’s “State of the NFL” address.
Super Bowl XLVII Preview
Who: Ravens and 49ers
When: Sunday February 3rd @ 6:30 EST on CBS
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana
Spread: 49ers by 3.5
Over-Under: 47.5
Announcers
Play-by-Play: Jim Nantz
Color Commentator: Phil Simms
Sideline Reporting: Steve Tasker and Solomon Wilcots
Officiating
Crew Chief: Jerome Boger
Umpire: Darrell Jenkins
Head Linesman: Steve Stellies
Line Judge: Byron Boston
Field Judge: Craig Wrolstad
Side Judge: Joe Larrew
Back Judge: Dino Paganelli
Entertainment
Special Performance: Twenty-six students from Sandy Hook Elementary School will join Jennifer Hudson to sing “America the Beautiful.”
National Anthem: Alicia Keys
Halftime Show: Beyonce
Ray Lewis
Media Day on Tuesday revealed a very alarming allegation of the Ravens veteran linebacker. The co-owner of Sports with Alternatives to Steroids (S.W.A.T.S.) said to Sports Illustrated in an interview that he provided Ray Lewis with deer antler spray, which contains an ingredient that is on the banned substance list by the NFL. The allegation was that Lewis used this to help him come back from the torn triceps injury he suffered earlier this season.
Now, it appears that the man responsible for the allegation is backing off, though the origin for saying it should be considered. Though Lewis and the Ravens organization assure everyone that Lewis never cheated or used the substance, claiming the fact he never failed a drug test is evidence enough for everyone to believe him. The problem with that is that the substance in deer antler spray on the NFL’s banned substance list is only testable through blood testing, not urine testing.
I don’t have an opinion either way on this allegation of Lewis, but I do find it intriguing that Lewis is once again the center of controversy during the week leading up to the Super Bowl. During the 2000 season, and leading up to Super Bowl XXXV, Lewis faced controversy from his alleged involvement in a double homicide case. Though he was acquitted of those charges, and found guilty only of obstructing justice, the story stuck with him and he was scrutinized all year long, and is still even today.
If the Ravens win the Super Bowl, it’ll be interesting to see if the deer antler spray allegation sticks with Lewis, and if so, for how long.
Roger Goodell
Here are some highlights from Commissioner Goodell’s “State of the NFL” address:
Goodell began his speech by saying he feels very welcomed in New Orleans. Now, this is the same city that, from a fan-perspective, has him banned from the city. Many restaurants have pictures of him on their windows saying, “don’t serve this man.” He acknowledge that and either has a poker face for sarcasm or just doesn’t get it at all. Either way, it’s hilarious.
Goodell says he believes that HGH testing will be in place prior to the 2013 season.
Goodell wants to head hits and low blocks out of the NFL. Remember, players are required to start wearing thigh pads and knee pads at the beginning of the 2013 season (used to be optional).
Goodell said that he wouldn’t rule out an 18-game season (try telling that to players though).
Goodell also spoke about head injuries and addressed President Obama’s comments earlier this week about how Obama wouldn’t allow his son to play football due to the long-term health effects of concussions (it should be noted that Obama does not have a son).
Though Goodell didn’t specifically address it, it should also be noted that the NFL is going to have independent neurological consultants on the sidelines during the 2013 season. The NFL Players Association is very happy with this move since it allows an unbiased opinion about whether or not a player should return to a game after suffering a concussion.
Personally, the NFL should consider enforcing all players to wear mouth guards. It’s a requirement in every level of football but the NFL, as are thigh pads and knee pads (until next season). Mouth guards help prevent concussions and may be something that the NFL needs to look into to mandate for all players. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “how are quarterbacks, etc., going to call out audibles?” Well, take Andrew Luck for example: he wears a mouth guard, but takes it out when he’s yelling stuff pre-snap and then puts it back in for the actual play. If the NFL wants to cut down on concussions, they may want to look into how much mouth guards could help for the short and long term.
Tune in tomorrow for the five Hall of Fame inductees that are announced from the fifteen finalists, as well as NFL Honors to see who wins the end of the season awards. Have a great Saturday and a super Sunday everybody!
