1.
The origin of the negative groundswell against the NFL is hard to pinpoint when the commotion around the NFL is so loud and revolves around multiple issues. The two largest issues, I think, are domestic abuse and the denial of brain damage caused by concussions, but there are a plethora of issues to choose from when it comes to the NFL, and these issues all contribute to the negative groundswell.
For me, the first time I can remember hearing some really negative things about the NFL regarding Michael Vick and organized dog fighting. While this is a slightly different topic, and an issue not widespread among players, it was the first time I can remember being truly disappointed in a player and the league. I think this is the origin because it’s also the first time I remember people reacting in a big way online, through Facebook or Twitter.
Since Michael Vick, there have been countless other NFL controversies, but his was one of the first that received a lot of online traffic. Funnily enough, the issue we all remember (dogfighting) wasn’t his first “run in” with the law. Back in 2005 Vick was sued for not disclosing an STD, and subsequently infecting a partner with it. As the story unfolded we learned that Vick had sought treatment for the disease, under an alias Ron Mexico. As a response, fans bought custom shirts featuring his humber, 7, with the name “Mexico” written on it. I think this is evidence of a mounting negative groundswell that ultimately turned into a death spiral.
2.
This negative groundswell passes the technology test with flying colors. People were able to connect with each other in a way that was unprecedented, albeit over a terrible topic. People used existing technologies, so signing up was effortless. In fact, Facebook was already at our fingertips and news stories and memes quickly got our attention. Power was clearly shifted from institutions to people - we were no longer waiting for arrests and indictments from law enforcement, never mind suspensions from the NFL. The jury of the groundswell spoke quickly and there was little debate as to whether or not he was guilty. Also, the community of outraged NFL fans certainly generated enough content to sustain itself. And finally, the open platform that invites partnerships has less of a direct correlation, but certainly helped contribute to the negative groundswell that brought Vick down and continues to tarnish the NFL.
3.
Michael Vick today is a free agent, but he did work following the 2007 indictment for organized dog fighting. That means that someone in the NFL stood behind him, even as he continued to give fans the finger at games and press conferences. I think he is now a toxic asset and nobody will offer him a position ever again.
