Goodell says he’s open to changing his role in overseeing discipline
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is open to changes to his role in overseeing discipline, but would require special qualifications in a successor to pass the gavel.
“I am open to changing my role,” Goodell said in an ESPN Radio interview Tuesday. “It’s become extremely time-consuming, and I have to be focused on other issues. I’ve discussed this with owners.”
Goodell said the issues with the “discipline system” in place will not be easily resolved, because the NFL Players Association has also been critical of neutral arbitration.
The goal, Goodell said, would be to avoid decisions and discussions in court.
“A designated discipline officer or panel to make the initial decision would make for a better system,” Goodell said. “But we also have resistance to third-party arbitration. The standards of the NFL are important to uphold, and we don’t want to delegate that responsibility or standard.”
The 2015 season begins Thursday, one week after U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman vacated a suspension of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for his alleged role in Deflategate. Brady denied any role in intentionally deflating game-used footballs in the AFC Championship game.
Goodell said the key in litigation, which continues in the Brady matter with the league’s appeal of Berman’s ruling, is to maintain a long view and understand you can’t win them all.
The NFL was not on the winning side of previous matters including disciplinary matters heard by Goodell involving Ray Rice (domestic violence) and Adrian Peterson (child abuse).
