Ohio Republican Congressman Jim Jordan got his head handed to him on Wednesday by National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell when Jordan tried to trip up Goodell on the subject of the First Amendment and free speech.
Specifically, Jordan said he was upset that Goodell had fined Washington Commanders Jack Del Rio for downplaying the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot that left five people (including a Capitol Police officer) dead.
Jordan began with a confrontational tone, asking Goodell:
“You made this statement. ‘We the National Football League encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest.’ Did you really mean that when you said, Mr. Goodell?”
Goodell replied:
“Yes, I think people are responsible for what they say and what they do. Yes.”
Jordan:
“When you said you encourage all to speak out, you meant all, not just some?”
And that’s when Goodell reminded Jordan that the First Amendment isn’t absolute:
“That’s correct, congressman, but you are responsible for what you say. There are consequences for what you do, and say, and write.”
Jordan’s wan response was “Yeah.”
Keep in mind this is the same Jim Jordan who spoke via phone with failed, one-term, twice-impeached former president Donald Trump as the attack on the Capitol was taking place and may have also helped plan the attack.
Also, Jordan has steadfastly refused to give testimony to the January 6 committee unless they agree to show him all of the evidence they have in advance. Sounds like the sort of thing a guilty person would demand, doesn’t it?