Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
We’re just a couple days away from the historic first regular-season NFL game played outside of North America. The game between the Miami Dolphins and N.Y. Giants lacks a tremendous amount of excitement with the Dolphins coming in at 0-7. But Commissioner Roger Goodell made some interesting comments about digital media today at “Sport 2020 – The Changing Face of the Global Sports Industry” conference from the Landmark Hotel in London:
“We will connect with more fans globally through digital media. Digital media expands the potential for communicating about our game and with our …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick issued a one-paragraph statement yesterday apologizing to his team and confirming that he has spoken to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell about an “interpretation” of league rules that bans videotaping of the opposing sideline:
“Earlier this week I spoke with Commissioner Goodell about a videotaping procedure during last Sunday’s game and my interpretation of the rules. At this point, we have not been notified of the league’s ruling. Although it remains a league matter, I want to apologize to everyone who has been affected, most of all ownership, …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
I thought I had heard it all until this report came in. I was absolutely floored to learn that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has determined that the New England Patriots violated league rules this past Sunday when they videotaped defensive signals by the New York Jets’ coaches. NFL security officials confiscated a camera and videotape from Patriots video assistant Matt Estrella on the New England sidelines when it was suspected he was recording the Jets’ defensive signals. The visual evidence confirmed the suspicion. Commissioner Goodell is considering severe sanctions, including the possibility of …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
Just hours after Michael Vick filed a plea agreement, admitting to conspiracy in a dogfighting ring and helping to kill pit bulls, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him indefinitely without pay. The Commissioner said he would review the suspension after all the legal proceedings had run their course.
Michael acknowledged bankrolling gambling on the dogfights, but denied placing bets himself or taking any of the winnings. He also admitted that dogs who were not worthy of the pit were killed “as a result of the collective efforts” of himself and two co-defendants. But Michael …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
It was admirable that Tank Johnson said he wanted to change his ways and become the NFL’s “Man of the Year,” after violating the league’s Personal Conduct Policy, but it appears he’s still got a ways to go. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he would be prepared to reduce the suspension from eight games to the first six regular-season games if Tank met certain conditions. One of those conditions included no further adverse involvement with law enforcement. It appears that’s out the window after Tank was pulled over for speeding (he was going …read more