NFL: The "Cost" of Safety

   Football is inherently a violent, physically demanding sport. In the 2011 season there were 3,113 football related injuries in the NFL, up from 1,919 in 2010(according to the Bleacher Report). So what is the NFL doing to combat the issue? That debate is still ongoing and a polarizing topic. I'd rather show a recent case of when the NFL has put safety of their players below their brand.

   Von Miller, Broncos Star linebacker, was suspended for 6 regular season games last week for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Miller had not used any performance enhancing drugs, commonly known as PEDs, or any other steroids type substances. However, he was accused of using marijuana and ecstasy.

   Now lets take a look at Antonio Smith, Texans defensive end. During their second preseason game, Smith ripped off Richie Incognito's hemlet and swung it at his head. Incognito narrowly missed being seriously or fatally injured by Smith. The NFL proceeded to suspend Smith for the final two preseason games and the season opener.

   The NFL has again thrown the safety of their players under the bus. How can Miller be suspended, although illegal, for 6 games while Smith is suspended for one? Now I say Smith is only suspended for one game because the suspension from  the preseason is more of a reward rather than a punishment. Von Miller had no ill intent with his actions. He injured nothing except his and, to a lesser degree, the NFL's reputation. While Smith's violently swinging a helmet at an opponent's unprotected head could have killed a man. So when I hear the NFL is for player's safety, I ignore it because actions speak louder than words and the NFL is all talk.
   How does this apply to social media? Fans can see the discrepancy the NFL has between money and safety. However, without a united front, preferably the use of social media platforms, there will be nothing done.