On the Steelers: In need of neutrality
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NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
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Roger Goodell's talk to Steelers season-ticket holders contained little that we didn't already know. It's pure public relations, to continue to hammer away for the benefit of the owners' side in this labor dispute. But why is the NFL commissioner doing the owners' bidding?
Yes, the owners hired him and they have the right to fire him as well, although that just happens in the NFL with commissioners. The owners hired Pete Rozelle and Paul Tagliabue, but those two did not take such a strong stance on the owners' part in a labor dispute, at least not publicly where they shoved it in the face of their players. If anything, both men were criticized by some for staying in the background during labor disputes.
If the NFL commissioner could take a more neutral stance, even if his beliefs lean more toward the owners, the sides might get more accomplished in negotiations. As it stands now, the players distrust Goodell. An NFL commissioner is supposed to rule over all of the sport and be considered fair to all, including the players.
I've known Roger Goodell for many years. I was introduced to him about 20 years ago at a restaurant in Denver, and I've talked to him many times since then. I consider him a good and decent man who has the best interests of the sport in doing his job. But taking the lead in such a public way for the owners has not enhanced his reputation, especially with the players.
He continues to mention the 18-game season, as he did on the phone with Steelers ticket holders Thursday. That 18-game schedule seemed to be a done deal about a year ago and even the union was ready to approve it until the players -- led by many Steelers -- forcefully, publicly and continuously objected to it. Dan Rooney came out on their side, and it became a holdup to the point that management has taken the 18-game schedule off the table -- for now.
Naturally, the owners still want the 18-game schedule. That will be more ways to squeeze more money from the sport, especially with two more weeks of televised games. Ultimately, they may get it, too, by wearing down the players and trading off something else. With the owners pushing for the 18-game schedule while preaching safety in the game and handing out heavier fines for borderline hits, people saw right through the hypocrisy, and Goodell's reputation with the players suffered. It's only gone downhill by him leading the band for the owners, as he did with Steelers fans Thursday.
First Published May 22, 2011 12:00 am
