For me, the sport has lost some appeal, not because of "violence", as it were. It is a violent game and always has been, but I truly believe the players are not out there trying to hurt each other, which would be an example of violence if they were.
IMO, Goodell has a lot to do with it. The CBA says he is the judge, jury, and executioner. Even though the players union signed off on it, it has greatly increased the animosity between the league and the players. Anymore, instead of reading or hearing about this players performance or that players performance or this team or that team, we hear about briefings, and filings, and suspensions, and appeals, and this-gate and that-gate. Goodell has brought on that type of environment. I'm really sick and tired of that type of stuff being half of the story line every season and there is no doubt in my mind that when the current CBA runs out we're going to have another work stoppage.
Another point is the officiating. Sometimes it is so atrocious it makes you wonder about the veracity of the calls.
All just my opinion of course. I still love watching the game, especially the Rams, but at the same time I do believe the game has lost some appeal.
