Roger Goodell Press Conference | Roger Goodell spends 45 minutes dodging questions Roger Goodell Press Conference | Roger Goodell spends 45 minutes dodging questions Roger Goodell Press Conference | Roger Goodell spends 45 minutes dodging questions Roger Goodell Press Conference | Roger Goodell spends 45 minutes dodging questions Roger Goodell Press Conference | Roger Goodell spends 45 minutes dodging questions Roger Goodell addressed the media for the first time in more than a week on Friday afternoon, and managed to dance around hard questions for roughly 45 minutes. The commissioner admitted that the NFL has mishandled domestic abuse cases and took personal blame for the shortcomings, but gave very little insight into the details of the league's recent behavior. "At our best, the NFL sets an example that makes a positive difference," Goodell said. "Unfortunately over the last several weeks, we've seen all too much the NFL doing wrong. That starts with me. I said this before back on Aug. 28 and say it again now, I got it wrong in the handling of the Ray Rice matter and I'm sorry for that. I got it wrong on a number of levels, from the process that I led to the decision that I reached. But now I will get it right and to whatever is necessary to accomplish that. "I'm not satisfied with the way we handled it from the get-go," he added. "I made a mistake. I'm not satisfied with the process we went through. I'm not satisfied with the conclusion. "We made a mistake by letting our standards fall below where they should be." Though admitting his mistakes, the commissioner said he has no plans to resign, adding "I am focused on doing my job to the best of my ability." Goodell said the league will introduce a new conduct policy with "clear, transparent rules" that he hopes to have implemented by the Super Bowl. The NFL will establish a conduct committee to review these new rules, much like the existing competition committee. However, he offered very little detail about how the policy will change. "There is no reason we cannot be as transparent with these issues as we are in the game on the field," Goodell said. "I believe in accountability. I understand the challenges before me and I will be held accountable for meeting them." Goodell also addressed the Ray Rice incident, specifically whether the league ever requested the second video tape showing the running back punching his then-fiancee. He said the league asked law enforcement for the video "on several occasions from February to June" and did not receive it. Goodell referred to the second tape as "new information" and said Rice's account of the incident was "inconsistent" with the video. The commissioner said it has yet to be determined who will hear Rice's suspension appeal, but it will not be him. Goodell also acknowledged recent statements by major corporate sponsors, most notably Anheuser Busch, who have been critical of the NFL's handling of the controversies. "We've been in contact with our sponsors," he said. "Several of them have promotions in the marketplace that are inconsistent with what is going on here. We understand that. ... They're not looking for talk. They want to see action." Entangled in a mess of recent domestic abuse cases, the league is attempting to get a hold of the steadily rising controversy but has been waffling on its discipline of violators ever since the Ray Rice incident. Goodell sent a letter to team owners on Friday morning declaring that all NFL personnel and staff will be required to undergo training on the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault. "Earlier today, each NFL club and all of our league office locations received information about advocacy and care organizaitons in their communities," Goodell said Friday. "In additon, our team and league staff, everyone, wil participate in education sesssions starting in the next month followed by training programs." The press conference comes as the league attempts to fortify itself against an onslaught of criticism. The most notable of those cases is Rice, whose initial two-game suspension for knocking his then-fiancee unconscious in a casino elevator sparked backlash so fierce Goodell issued a public apology, and eventually banned the running back indefinitely. NFL fans then watched the Minnesota Vikings waver back and forth on the discipline of star running back Adrian Peterson, who was arrested last week for allegedly whipping his four-year old son with a switch. The team deactivated, activated and deactivated him in less than a week.

• published: 19 Sep 2014
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