Wrapping Up The State Of The NFL Address
Roger Goodell was probably looking forward to the State of the NFL adress about as much as Marshawn Lynch looks forward to speaking to the media. The league's commissioner and red-haired robot came out to the podium knowing full-well that he would be asked some hard-hitting questions and have to address some issues that he'd rather see disappear. I'll try to cut through the fluff and corporate speak and give you some of the main points and my impressions of the press conference.
He leads off with the extra point. Seriously, Rog? How many topics could we chose from today and you pick the point after attempt that's too automatic. Ok, I'll play your game. The Competition Committee will continue to address extra points. PATs are too automatic so the league is looking into how to make them more difficult or do something different.
A Chief Medical Official is to be appointed to oversee player safety and health issues. The NFL is looking to cover their rear-end and prevent future lawsuits from ex-players who feel their health problems are the league's problems. Concussions are down 25 percent continuing a three-year trend. You can chalk that up league policy or protective gear improving but I assume the league will take credit for that one.
Issues with officiating? You don't say. The primary goal in officiating is "consistency" claims Goodell. The league knows that every game has controversial calls that could be the difference in the outcome of a game or even a season. Ask the Dallas Cowboys about that one. Their final 2 games were decided on the outcome of controversial calls.
The league is apparently taking the under-inflated football scandal very seriously. They're focused on two main points: Why were illegal footballs used and was it deliberate? The commish also announced that when it comes to Deflate-Gate, there has been no determination yet and he refuses to speculate on the topic, claiming, "I want to emphasize we've made no judgments and we will not compromise the investigation by engaging in speculation." To anyone with half a brain that means that the league is dismissing the entire topic until after the Super Bowl. No punishments will be handed down that could affect the eligibility of players or coaches. Doesn't that defeat the purpose of the entire investigation? If someone is guilty, not that the league's fraudulent "investigations" would find anything anyway, they should be penalized now, when it matters. If Tom Shady told the kid to deflate the footballs, he shouldn't play. If Belichick said, "Yeah, go ahead kid," he should watch the game from the couch as well. If guilty parties still get a ring and a parade for their cheating efforts, the NFL is basically saying the rules don't matter. Roger then clarified that even if flat footballs didn't give them edge (which it sounds like he personally believes) the Patriots could still be penalized.
One reporter asked if the "ignorance is no excuse" rule was relevant in the investigation of Deflate-Gate. This rule is of course referring to Bounty-Gate when Roger Goodell suspended New Orleans head coach Sean Peyton for an entire season even though he and the guilty parties in that case said he had no knowledge of the bounties being placed. Goodell was quick to dismiss this notion saying that these are "individual cases." Well that sure seems like speculation to me, Rog. How do you know? The investigation isn't complete. If a team does something against the rules and you punish the coach for allowing it to happen under his watch then the president has been set.
Rachel Nichols slams Goodell with tough question about hiring outside investigators and about conflicts of interest. Goodell hastily brushed aside her question. His "their integrity is impeccable" answer almost seemed like he was personally offended. What do you mean my buddies, who I make money and are looking out for my personal best interest and the interest of my friends (Robert Kraft), aren't good enough to investigate things that could potentially get me in hot water? Sheesh. How Dare you. I'm guessing this won't be addressed with honesty any time soon. Maybe next year, Rachel?
So what about Marshawn Lynch? Do you feel any sympathy for his now as you stand up there caked in makeup and sweating under these bright lights? No? Ok it's in Lynch's contract, part of his job and he has to talk. That's enough about that.
Is Goodell's job in jeopardy or will he have to take a pay cut? Well that didn't sound like it was even an option in his mind, although he did say that the owners, the guys he makes rich, would make that decision.
Side notes:
The NFL is "aggressively" pursuing a streaming broadcast of regular season games on the internet. Sounds like you better go upgrade to that high-speed connection and upgrade your mobile plan.
Stan Kroenke has expressed interest in LA. He wants to move the Rams out of St. Louis and has the money and land to do so. Roger said that the league has no specific plans and even if they did all moves are subject to relocation policy and a vote.
Fútbol Americano en Mexico? That's right. The league is considering it again for the first time since 2005's 49ers-Cardinals game at Azteca Stadium. Sounds like the league is really trying to expand their Hispanic Heritage efforts to include a game south of the border. Why not? Start brushing up on your high school Spanish now.
When it comes to the New Orleans power struggle Goodell was clear and concise. He supported Tom Benson saying he's in "total control." So that's that.
Chris B.
Content Producer for CBS Radio Baltimore – Born & Raised in Baltimore with a passion for local sports with a dash of cynicism.
