NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s Incredible Press Conference

 

 

Photo Courtesy of cdn1.bloquin.com
Photo Courtesy of cdn1.bloquin.com

The NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has finally spoken publicly after recent controversies involving players Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, Greg Hardy and Jonathan Dwyer. Many have speculated that these new policies aimed at stopping violence are a reactive measure, created in response to many big name sponsors like Visa and McDonald’s speaking out against the NFL.


Intentions aside, this press conference outlined some key facts regarding what will happen going forward?with the NFL. At the beginning though, Goodell somewhat shockingly admits he “got it wrong” in the Ray Rice situation. Saying that the initial decision was wrong and he wants to do “right” in the future.

He is working with former ?FBI Director Robert Mueller to investigate the handling of Rice’s assault. He wants people to be assured that they will “get their house in order.”

Goodell wants the NFL to be an example. He thinks they can help work to bring about change for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors.

As part of this process, every NFL team has received information about programs in their communities and every staff member will participate in training programs and education regarding these issues. He wants a partnership with law enforcement, social justice organizations, families, and everyone, to help alleviate these problems.

The NFL will also work with two major organizations: the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Sexual Violence?Resource Center.

The commissioner is also talking with the NFL Player’s Association President to better implement policies and programs as well, with the hopes of holding players and executives to a high standard while providing a fair process.

Goodell says that cases of violence, firearm possessions and illegal drug/alcohol use will be taken?seriously. While wanting to act strongly, he wants to also guarantee that everyone receives a fair process and any action will be taken after review of evidence.

Goodall states that new personal conduct policies will be implemented. He will be establishing a conduct committee to ensure we are “always living with the best practices.” He wants the new committee?implemented by the Super Bowl?in early 2015.

He personally asks everyone associated with the NFL to help make positive changes.

I like that Goodall admits that playing in and working for the NFL is a privilege because this is a crucial?point. Amid much discussion, so many times people talked as if it is a Constitutional right to play professionally in the NFL; it is not.

Some of the questions asked to Roger Goodell were pretty stern. Peter Alexander of NBC News, asked how Roger would feel if one of those victims were someone he loved, and if he would be happy with how these situations were treated. Goodell again, admitted that he and the NFL were wrong in their handling of Ray Rice specifically and that they will change how they address future allegations and crimes. Another reporter asked what Rice specifically told him months before the full video came out. Goodell says that the full video showed actions inconsistent with what Ray Rice had said. He refused to say specifically what Ray Rice told him months ago in part because the NFLPA is appealing Rice’s suspension.

Some questions were personal. One reporter mentioned how he saw a woman with her two kids all wearing Adrian Peterson jerseys and how she was conflicted because he is their favorite player. Goodell mentions that this situation was tragic but we have to allow for the “facts to proceed.”

Goodell was asked flat out if he had ever considered resigning, and he said “I have not.” He wants to focus on doing his job and he is proud of the opportunity the NFL has to make an impact through positive changes. Goodell believes that he shouldn’t resign stating that he has acknowledged his mistakes and the NFL is making progress. The goal here is how to handle everything better. It seems like he doesn’t want to look backwards at all.

Goodell said that he regrets having Janay Rice join Ray Rice in an earlier press conference and says this has been part of their learning experience.

Perhaps one of the most telling moments in this press conference came when a reporter asked Goodell if he had ever been involved in an abuse situation personally. He responded simply saying:

“I have not.”

He also said that no women had been advising him but will have ones in future.

One man was physically taken out after screaming and becoming belligerent. He could be heard and seen on live television yelling “dont take me to an elevator!”


Do you think that this press conference along with all of these new policies is solely in response to the pressure from the media, fans, and sponsors? Or does he and the NFL genuinely want to change this culture of violence that is not unique within the?United States, but still a huge travesty? I understand the questions surrounding the NFL specifically and Goodell’s job, but I personally wish more was said about victims. Victims and survivors everywhere should be our number one focus, not Goodell and not his players. I truly hope these changes provide positive strides in working towards eradicating the?heinous facets of our domestic and child abuse culture.


Let us know your thoughts at the Liberal America Facebook page. Sign up for our free daily newsletter to receive more great stories like this one.

I was born on January 13, 1990. I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. I moved up north and attended the University of CT from 2008 to 2012. I currently also work at a law firm in Uptown Charlotte and have been helping with this organization entitled the National Independent Voter Coalition. My interests include: Politics (obviously), Basketball (playing and watching) and watching almost any sport, movies, reading, the law, human rights, entertainment, mostly Angelina Jolie and Beyonce. I am fun, caring, passionate, intelligent, and unique!