Roger Goodell has more power over NFL players than any other commissioner/president of any other sports organization. He can fine players as much money as he wants (I assume a certain percentage of that money goes to Goodell and the owners). He can also suspend players ARBITRARILY. It's one thing for him to be able to suspend players for committing crimes, or for using performance-enhancing drugs, but Goodell is able to suspend players if they do things that he disapproves of during their personal lives. Or, if a player is charged with a crime, Goodell can suspend the player even if he is found innocent of the crime. Just look at what happened to Ben Roethlisberger last season.
What's next, suspending players for cheating on their wives? Suspending players for not attending church on Sundays before games? I'm sure Goodell could do that if he wanted.
What's next, suspending players for cheating on their wives? Suspending players for not attending church on Sundays before games? I'm sure Goodell could do that if he wanted.