
(Joosep Martinson/ISU/Getty Images)
(Joosep Martinson/ISU/Getty Images)
What's the NFL going to do about this tweet? JAGUARS defensive lineman YANNICK NGAKOUE said BILLS offensive lineman RICHIE INCOGNITO hurled racist slurs at him during Sunday's playoff game. That's a serious accusation, especially for a league whose season has been underlined by protests demanding attention for racial equality and social justice. Can't just ignore it as something said in the heat of battle. Leagues have started policing offensive language even if it's said during games or on the court. RAJON RONDO was suspended a game for using homophobic slurs towards a gay referee. KEVIN PILLAR was suspended for two games for slinging one at a pitcher after an at-bat. The NHL suspended ANDREW SHARP during the playoffs. Pillar was caught on video. So was KOBE BRYANT. The NFL says it has a zero-tolerance policy. That it's Incognito is going to present hard questions for the NFL. It won't only be about substantiating Ngakoue's claim. It'll have to consider Incognito's history. He's been caught bullying and using racist language before. The NFL's never faced more societal scrutiny and how it responds to this latest accusation will be telling. The league should be especially sensitive to anything dealing with race right now and not acting too meekly. But it also needs evidence Incognito said something -- his history isn't enough. Commissioner ROGER GOODELL has been accused of engineering punishments before. He has bungled domestic violence cases, causing itself agita and embarrassment. Goodell could set a precedent here for the league. Is this worth a fine? A suspension? Another decisive moment for the NFL... Will tonight make two straight title game losses for NICK SABAN? Seems unfathomable. Wonder if college football fans are getting southern football fatigue. Every champ but one has been from the South since 2006. ALABAMA or GEORGIA is going to keep that streak going. Saban might be the best college football coach ever. But how much has KIRBY SMART, his former defensive coordinator, learned as an apprentice? Better question: What's KENDRICK LAMAR going to do tonight? He's the halftime show but won't be in the stadium in ATLANTA. PRESIDENT TRUMP will be though. Will any players get political? Wondering how all that plays out is just as much fun as counting Saban's rings... How to ensure BARCELONA doesn't break away from SPAIN... Guess the social media person still hasn't read SI. Or the TIMES-PICAYUNE... Is LA nightlife undefeated?... While you were sleeping... RIP HORACE ASHENFELTER.