Respect tackles hate

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Today a rivalry has to be. With the league's emphasis on player safety rules and crackdowns on fighting, a rivalry based on hate is going to be a yearly mass of personal fouls and ejections, followed a few days later with a wave of fines. The league has legislated respectful play as best they can. Old time safeties are celebrated for the damage they would do to any receiver unlucky enough to be in a defenseless position over the middle. The league today has banned those types of hits in the interest of player safety.

Last Sunday showed an example of the tighter controls of on-the-field conduct as Bears DT Tommie Harris was ejected in the first minute of the game after punching a Cardinals lineman while the two struggled on the ground. Players today have to remain in control and no longer have the outlets for hate.

Today a great rivalry has to have an air of respect, and it's for the best. While the fans might enjoy the hate, the players are much better off physically and financially competing in respectful rivalries.

By Joe Baker  |  November 13, 2009; 9:25 AM ET  | Category:  Indianapolis Colts , New England Patriots , Peyton Manning , Tom Brady Save & Share:                 
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