The NFL line dances?

No, actually it does every day across every single demographic in the legal system, at work, and at home. People with charisma and those who demonstrate some remorse are almost always shown more leniency over those who act like dickholes and show no remorse. This shouldn't be a surprise to anybody.

So Goodell's way of making sure no player is above his rules as they pertain to personal conduct is to act above his rules regarding personal conduct and play favorites and not enforcing blanket policies he himself instigated. Maybe Harrison isn't trying to be a dickhole who shows no remorse, maybe he's just following the example and message his leader is demonstrating. Which is, Goodell's Rules Aren't Worth Respecting. If Roger doesn't apply to them, why should James? Or anyone? At least when James disrespects the rules he's not being a walking, talking Hypocrite.

I'm not saying it's right or fair. But it's reality. Act an ass in front of a judge and see what happens at sentencing. Take the same crime, same conviction, same rap-sheet with a guy who is respectful, remorseful, and charismatic... It is what it is. I've found myself doing it here if I'm being completely honest. It's human nature and most figures of authority feel that the remorseful guy stands the best chance of keeping his nose clean the second time around.

You're right on everything above. But when you repeatedly punish the same individual over and over to make an example out of him/her and let other people get away with just as much or worse, you make an example out of yourself. This goes for everyday life as well : a judge, a boss, a commishoner. A manager of company blatantly picks on someone he doesnt like and lets other poeple get away with murder, it gets noticed. Not just by the staff but the vice pres (the bosses boss) and if it gets bad enough, the pres (the bosses bosses boss). And then that mangers in as much trouble as his employee, the difference is, he usually stands to lose a LOT more. It goes both ways. And that's what we have here. And that's bad management. It's bad leadership. It's hypocrisy. Leadership is supposed to be setting an example, and you don't do that by flagrantly throwing your weight around, then wondering why you staff act the same way.