PHOENIX — Alternating between defiant and contrite, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reflected on a “tough year” during his annual pre-Super Bowl press conference Friday.
The NFL’s year was overshadowed by a series of high-profile domestic violence cases and more recently the New England Patriots’ use of deflated footballs in the AFC Championship.
“As an organization, and as an individual, it’s been a tough year,” Goodell said. “But a year of great progress, and I’m excited about the future.”
Goodell was roundly criticized for his response to the domestic violence case of Baltimore running back Ray Rice, who knocked out his fiancée in an Atlantic City elevator in March. Rice was initially suspended two games, but Goodell changed that to an indefinite ban only after TMZ released video of the incident.
Goodell was asked Friday if he sees any scenario where he would resign or be fired.
“No, I can’t. Does that surprise you?” Goodell said. “We’ve all done a lot of soul-searching, beginning with yours truly. And we have taken action.”
Goodell, who made $44.2 million last year, was asked if he would take a pay cut.
“That’s up for ownership to decide,” he said. “I’m not one to argue.”
Goodell was dismissive when asked whether there are conflict-of-interest problems with paying those who lead “independent” investigations into the league’s handling of the Rice case or the Patriots’ use of deflated footballs.
“We have had people who have had uncompromising integrity” run those inquiries, Goodell said. Then, speaking to the reporter, he added: “Somebody has to pay them … unless you’re volunteering, which I don’t think you are.”
Goodell also addressed two issues Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman has voiced displeasure about. Sherman said he doubts New England will be punished for using deflated footballs because of Goodell’s cozy relationship with Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
“It’s also not unusual that I work very closely with ownership, particularly someone like Robert Kraft, who serves on multiple committees,” Goodell said.
Sherman also criticized the NFL for requiring players to talk to the media, most notably Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch. Sherman said Goodell should therefore hold weekly press conferences.
“I’m available to the media almost every day,” Goodell said.
That caused collective laughter among reporters, many of whom mocked Goodell afterward while pointing out their repeated requests for interviews have been denied.
Goodell said the NFL will determine after the Super Bowl whether to fine Lynch for not fully participating in press conferences or wearing his own non-NFL-approved “BeastMode” apparel.
“I’ve been very clear that when you’re in the NFL, you have an obligation to the fans,” Goodell said. “It is part of your job. There are things that we all have to do in our jobs that we may not necessarily want to do. I understand it may not be at the top of his list, but everyone else is cooperating. Everyone else is doing their part because it is our obligation.”
Chancellor added to injury report
Seahawks strong safety Kam Chancellor tweaked his knee near the end of Friday’s practice, but is listed as probable to play Sunday.
According to the pool reporter granted access to the practice, Chancellor “fell near the goal line, was helped up, then missed the final play of practice. He left the field after practice without a limp but with his left knee wrapped.”
Everyone else on the Seattle’s roster is also expected to play Sunday, as is New England’s full stable of players.
Feel the love
Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and New England coach Bill Belichick held a joint press conference Friday. It was the last public appearance for both teams before Sunday’s game.
Sitting beside each other on a stage, Carroll and Belichick offered glowing assessments of each other’s team and coaching style.
“They compete relentlessly as well as any team or any organization I’ve ever observed,” Belichick said of Seattle. “Everybody just competes at such a high level for every single second that they’re out there, and I think that’s a great credit and attribute to Pete and his staff.”
Carroll returned the compliments. Of New England he said “they do things and they’ve done them so well for so long. It presents just as high class a matchup for us as we can expect.”
