NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke at the NFL offices in New York on Friday morning. For over 45 minutes, Goodell spun question after question regarding the latest incidents of domestic violence and child abuse from some of his star players. Goodell dodged questions regarding what he and the NFL knew about the second Ray Rice video tape that was released by TMZ last week and instead reiterated that they had made a mistake. The commissioner appeared weak and willing to deflect any and all questions to committees that he would form to help answer these questions.
One surprise was Goodell’s struggle not to resign from his post, but to be willing to concede some of his power to others. The Ray Rice scandal is currently being investigated by former FBI Director Robert Mueller, and a committee of women, men and experts on domestic violence is being assembled to handle future NFL policies on domestic violence and child abuse.
Conjuring images of Bull Durham’s “Nuke” LaLoosh, the commissioner answered with cliché after cliché like a spider spinning an intricate web of protection. Two moments of note that were brought up by fans, sponsors, as well as former and current NFL players, was Roger Goodell’s answers and actions which are percieved to be a “double standard”.
Firstly, two years ago during the investigation of the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal, the commissioner clearly stated in regards to Saints coach, Sean Payton, that “ignorance is not excuse.” Yet, Goodell stated ignorance himself last week at why the NFL had not seen the 2nd Ray Rice video tape. On the same topic, a representative from TMZ sports was in attendance at the Press Conference on Friday and asked, “It took one phone call to get the tape, with all your lawyers and security and money, why didn’t you get it?” The answer would never come as Goodell quickly moved on to the next question.
Read the anger, vitriol and criticism from NFL players and others in the tweets below:
Somebody get Roger Goodell off the stage. Please. Pull a file alarm if necessary.
- Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) September 19, 2014What Roger just said is the exact same thing that players say when they make a mistake and plead their case
- Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) September 19, 2014I know some people that got it wrong and don't have a job anymore. Does this mean it's ok to get it wrong? You gain 0 yards on an inc pass!
- Sidney Rice (@sidneyrice) September 19, 2014 This press conference is pointless
- Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) September 19, 2014Media could have saved a lot of $ and time and just asked him these questions on twitter. Much easier to ignore and answer what u want here.
- Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) September 19, 2014
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