NEW YORK — Yesterday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke with the media about the concept of an enhanced season. Here are excerpts from that session in New York City:
About his endorsement of additional games to a campaign:
One of the things when we discussed this a year ago and as recently as yesterday is what we need to do to make the game better. How do we improve the game, not only through rules and equipment, but also with offseason training? Should we do things differently? I think we have to. We have been making a lot of those changes but we have to continue to evolve the game in that way. And the players are a big part of that process.
Are negotiations getting contentious?
This is a negotiation. You have to have a dialogue about how to make the game better. That includes for fans. That includes for the participants, including the players and coaches. It includes the teams. That’s what a dialogue is and that’s what the dialogue has been and will continue to be.
What do the players think about an 18-game season?
I’ve been talking about this for two years, including with the players. I don’t think there’s anything I’m not aware of with respect to the players. I will continue to talk with them, as we all will.
Regarding pay scale and the expanded campaign:
They are paid a percentage of our gross revenue that includes revenue from preseason games. What we’re trying to do is figure out ways to grow those opportunities for the players. And when you explain that to them they understand. Also they are very focused on safety and that’s a very legitimate concern. And they’ve engaged in that. I’ve had a great dialogue with them.
Injuries:
Injuries are part of the game. You can’t prevent injuries. What you can do is do things to make sure that they are physically prepared, give them the best medical care, and make sure we’re doing everything we can so that they play for as long as possible.
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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
