NEW YORK (CAP) - The NFL's public relations woes continued today when video surfaced showing New York Giants Guard James Brewer hitting all of the buttons in an elevator and then stepping off of it as the doors closed. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league is still validating the authenticity of the grainy surveillance footage.
"Come on, that could be any 330-pound black man wearing a Gaints jersey with BREWER across the back," said Goodell. "Besides, he didn't hit the buttons for all 42 floors - he missed the entire last column."
This video is just the latest in a string of elevator related incidents that has marred the NFL's image during the first month of the season. Just last week, New Orleans Saints Tackle Terron Armstead was chided for "letting one rip" in a crowded elevator and then getting out as the doors closed.
"NFL players really seem to lack the basic etiquette of riding in an elevator," said CAP News sports editor Herm Winningham. "Whether it's jumping when the elevator is going down to try to touch the ceiling, pushing the emergency stop button, or punching another passenger until they crumple to the ground, players simply need to learn how to handle themselves better."
Critics say Goodell should learn from his past mistakes and just ban all players from using elevators until a thorough investigation is completed. However, the NFL Players Association says many contracts have clauses that specifically require hotels to be equipped with elevators.
"Half these guys can't climb out of bed without getting winded, let alone climbing half a dozen flights of stairs," said NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith. "We might settle for players having to use the freight elevator, which keeps them away from the public and is actually more suited to their size."
Goodell said his office is reviewing the video, and is waiting to see how many likes it gets on YouTube before determining what action to take. He said the newly formed Commissioner's Committee on Elevator Mishaps will also have a good deal of input.
"We'll also take disciplinary suggestions from the comments that people leave on the video's webpage," Goodell said. "Those YouTube commenters come up with some pretty good stuff - witty, yet insightful.
"Not as funny as those fellows over at Fark, but still pretty good," he added.
Sources inside the NFL offices tell CAP News that while the commissioner does not condone the poor elevator behavior, he is glad the focus is finally off of the bullying that is rampant throughout the league.
- CAP News Staff