NFL NEWS

Goodell breaks silence, promises changes

The Sports Xchange

September 19, 2014 at 3:44 pm.

Sep 19, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the media at a press conference at New York Hilton. Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time in more than a week, commissioner Roger Goodell addressed domestic violence issues and the NFL Personal Conduct Policy during a Friday news conference in New York.

With his integrity in question, and possibly his job as commissioner on the line, Goodell said “he got it wrong” when it came to the recent Ray Rice incident. He promised he “will get it right” going forward.

“We have seen all too much of the NFL doing wrong,” Goodell said. “That starts with me.”

Goodell vowed there will be positive changes and “everything is on the table.” He specifically mentioned changes to the NFL Conduct Policy, and that the commissioner’s office has to take care of its house first.

“There will be changes to the personal conduct policy. I know this … nothing is off the table. We will implement new — clear and transparent — conduct polices for owners and players,” Goodell said, adding he hopes to have these changes implemented by the Super Bowl.

Goodell said he understands the criticism heaped on him and had not considered stepping down.

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Greg Hardy, San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Ray McDonald and running back Jonathan Dwyer of the Arizona Cardinals all have been accused in domestic violence incidents. Peterson has been indicted on a charge of felony child abuse and McDonald was arrested but has not been charged on suspicion of domestic violence..

Some of the league’s sponsors have weighed in on the recent spate of problems. Radisson canceled its sponsorship with the Vikings. Anheuser-Busch, which has a six-year, $1.2 billion deal with the NFL and other league’s other big corporate partners have expressed concerns.

“We will re-examine, enhance and improve all of our current programs and then we’ll do more,” Goodell added.