THE MMQB's Peter King writes the NFL is under "tremendous pressure to get this alleged" Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott domestic violence story "right." That is why it "could be several weeks, or months, before we get to the bottom of the story of whether the physical altercations between Elliott and a female friend earlier this year have merit." The league is "taking this seriously, which is wise" (MMQB.SI.com, 11/7).
PON DE REPLAY: In N.Y., Dave Blezow writes even instant replay "often leaves viewers feeling unfulfilled." Jaguars RB Chris Ivory yesterday was "ruled to have fumbled as he tried to reach the ball over the goal line." As CBS was showing the play, it "zoomed in and freeze framed to show Ivory holding the ball over the goal line before it started to come free," but referee Gene Steratore announced the fumble call stood. CBS’ announcers added to the confusion by "saying the referee and replay official do not have the ability to view a freeze frame the way the network had done." Fox NFL Rules Analyst Mike Pereira tweeted: "Replay officials are allowed to use freeze frame." That statement "drew questions of why wasn't it used and how they still get the call wrong" (N.Y. POST, 11/7).
MORE THAN A GAME: In Denver, Mark Kiszla wrote NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has "slowly ripped the soul out of the game America loves best." The NFL is played for the "benefit of the corporate suits that ante up for big-money sponsorships and the club-level folks who seem to have a difficult time pulling themselves away from the beef-carving table to actually go out in the stadium and cheer." The NFL is "now a brand rather than a game" (DENVER POST, 11/6).
