NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says bounty scandal decisions made in interest of the game
National Football League (NFL) commissioner, Roger Goodell, is currently one of the most unpopular figures in New Orleans after he delivered some harsh punishments to coaches and players of the New Orleans Saints over the bounty scandal.
Saints players believe that the punishments were just motivated by Goodell’s desire to make an example of the franchise to the rest of the league and they also claim that the commissioner does not have sufficient evidence to justify the harsh measures.
The players also justify their doubts due to the lack of evidence revealed publicly by the NFL over its findings from the bounty investigations and have called on the commissioner to release all its findings in the matter.
Speaking at the Spring League Meeting, the commissioner said that he is prepared to release the evidence to the public after all grievances and appeals have been heard.
He also went on to say that all his actions have been taken in the best interest of the game even though his popularity has taken a big hit due to the decisions.
"What I have to do is what is in best interests of the game long-term.”
Adding further he said.
"I've been around this league for 30 years and you are going to make decisions that will not be unanimous, it just doesn't happen, particularly in a game where there is a lot of emotion, a lot of passion."
After announcing the suspensions to four players who allegedly played leadership roles in installing the bounty programme in the Saints defensive roster the commissioner faced stringent criticism from players and their union the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
NFLPA filed two grievances with arbitrators challenging the commissioner’s authority to give out suspensions over an on-the-field issue while Saints defensive captain, Jonathan Vilma, who received a year-long suspension, filed a defamation lawsuit in a New
Orleans court over the statements made by Goodell.
The commissioner continued by saying that in his position he can’t worry about his popularity when making decisions.
"You don't worry about a popularity contest. You can't."
"Reality is that it is part of operating in a pretty complex world," Goodell said. "You have to be open about the initiatives you want to take, don't expect all parties to agree, and you have to drive toward solutions.”
Release of the evidence is still far off as appeals over the suspensions have yet to be heard.
More developments over the bounty scandal are expected in the coming days.
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