NFL Puts Cap On Tone-Deaf Season
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Christian Petersen/Getty Images (PHOENIX, Az.)– The NFL has come full circle on an embarrassing 2014-2015 season.
In the annual pre-Super Bowl press conference, held Friday, commissioner Roger Goodell was asked by CNN’s Rachel Nichols if the league could take any steps to mitigate conflicts of interest when hiring outside investigators.
“I think we have done an excellent job of bringing outside consultants in,” Goodell said. “Somebody has to pay them Rachel, so unless you are volunteering, which I don’t think you are, we will do that.”
This latest gaffe by Goodell comes in the same year that domestic violence has taken center stage for the NFL. After the commissioner mishandled the punishment of Ray Rice for punching his then fiancée’s face in an Atlantic City elevator, a series of public relations mis-steps have left Goodell’s credibility with fans and players nearly at zero.
Which leads to the question of why Goodell remains as the commissioner. NFLPA president Eric Winston commented to CSNNE.com’s Tom Curran after the press conference, “Hey, even the worst bartender at Spring Break does pretty well. Think about it, a 2-year-old could [be NFL Commissioner] and still make money.”
Winston has since apologized.
In wake of the Deflate-gate scandal that appears to be overshadowing the Super Bowl, the most staunch supporter of Goodell, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, demanded that the League apologize to the team if no evidence is found of New England’s guilt. The League has been recieved numerous criticisms for the pace and poor effort it has showing in the investigation.
Goodell acknowledged it has been a “tough year” but has no plans to resign.