During his annual state of the league, NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, addressed NFL concerns and possibilities – present and future.
“It has been a tough year,” Goodell stated. If we comduct even a quick run down of the list of issues, it sure has. Let’s see (what comes to my mind), we had the Ray Rice fiasco, Marshawn Lynch vs the media, questionable game changing penalty calls, plenty of failed drug tests etc… the list goes on. And as a Mass Communications and Public Relations degree holder, I can tell you, none of these were well-handled.
Goodell claims this has been a year of learning and humility and I don’t know if I buy it. Hearing him talk about “Deflategate” was nearly insulting because we all know he meets a conflict of interest; he’s good friends with Patriots owner, Robert Kraft. True enough the 2014 season has been one of adversity but not because of personal let downs. But because of loss of money and utter embarrassment. For example, Ray Rice was given a one game suspension after beating his, then, fiancé but when the media found out and lit some fire under the NFL’s behind, all of the sudden he’s suspended indefinitely? The NFL is good for making an example out of someone just to look like the good guy. So, please, this was a year of last minute saving face and we have seen the jig. Goodell has never been one to face crisis well and this press conference was no different. It’d do him, and the NFL some good to hire a new PR team in the offseason.
Outside of the whole “soul searching” spew, Goodell did acknowledge some points that were worth listening to. The league has discussed streaming games to a worldwide audience, ultimately bringing a significant increase in revenue and interest in the sport. He touched on the idea of expanding the playoffs which he worries will “dilute” the regular season and interfere with college football but has not turned the idea down completely. Goodell says the NFL has discussed “expand(ing) the use of replay for penalties,” reported NFL.com. This will include coaches being able to challenge penalties. He also spoke on potential teams in Los Angeles and even Las Vegas. The NFL will also hire a Chief Medical Officer to oversee medical policies (it’s about time). The CMO will work collectively with executives and on-the-field physical trainers to decrease the number of concussions and other, long-term common injuries.
Overall this press conference seemed like deflection of major issues and trying to keep fans excited about, well, being fans.
Sources Cited:
Roger Goodell says NFL will hire a Chief Medical Officer: Darin Gantt, NBCSports.com (Pro Football Talk)
Roger Goodell: It’s been a ‘tough year’ for the NFL: Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com
