LAS VEGAS – Roger Goodell addressed various important topics during his NFL news conference in a tabloid format on Monday. He discussed the progress the NFL is making in terms of hiring minority individuals, defended the league’s officiating and the integrity of the game, and supported the streaming of a playoff game.
The commissioner devoted a significant portion of his 50-plus minute availability to discussing the league’s hiring practices and the inclusion of diverse candidates in coaching and ownership positions. Despite hiring four white men, three black men, and a white Hispanic for the eight head coach openings this cycle, Goodell acknowledged that there is still work to be done.
When asked about the effectiveness of the Rooney Rule, which mandates the inclusion of diverse candidates in the hiring process, Goodell expressed his belief that it is still necessary. He also emphasized that the NFL is committed to maintaining this rule for the foreseeable future.
Goodell took pride in the fact that the NFL has become a minority majority league, with over 51% of its employees being people of color or women. However, he acknowledged that this diversity does not fully reflect the demographics of the country, where the majority of the population is white.
In terms of the integrity of the game, Goodell defended the league’s officiating, although he acknowledged its occasional inconsistencies. He recognized that officials are not perfect and emphasized the need for continuous improvement. Goodell also highlighted the use of technology as a means to enhance officiating.
Goodell defended the decision to exclusively stream a playoff game between the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs on Peacock, a streaming platform. He viewed this as progress and innovation, citing increased viewership and a younger audience demographic. However, he clarified that streaming the Super Bowl is not currently under consideration.
These issues have generated differing opinions and grievances among various groups. Some individuals oppose paying for a streaming service to watch NFL games, while others believe the league should prioritize hiring more minorities or white individuals. Additionally, there are those who criticize the quality of NFL officiating.
The timing of the news conference drew criticism from the Professional Football Writers Association (PFWA) due to its occurrence on the first day of Super Bowl week and the invitation-only format. The PFWA expressed concern about not being consulted on the matter and advocated for open access to the commissioner’s press conferences. They hope to expand the list of invited media members in the future.