LAS VEGAS – In a state of the NFL news conference on Monday, Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed several important topics. He discussed the league’s progress in hiring minority individuals, defended the integrity of the game and the league’s officiating, and defended the decision to stream a playoff game.
These were serious issues that Goodell spent over 50 minutes discussing with invited media.
One of the main topics of discussion was the league’s hiring practices and its commitment to diversity. Goodell acknowledged that while progress has been made, the league is not satisfied with where it currently stands. He emphasized the importance of the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview diverse candidates for coaching and ownership positions. Goodell believes that the rule is still necessary and will remain so for the foreseeable future.
Goodell also expressed pride in the fact that the NFL is now a minority majority league, with 51% of its employees being people of color or women. He recognized that this diversity does not fully reflect theforeseeable future.
Goodell also expressed pride in the fact that the NFL is now a minority majority league, with 51% of its employees being people of color or women. He recognized that this diversity does not fully reflect the demographics of the country, but sees it as a step in the right direction.
The integrity of the game was another key focus of Goodell’s conference. While he defended the league’s officiating overall, he acknowledged that there is room for improvement. Goodell stated that officials do a great job but admitted that they are not perfect. He emphasized the league’s commitment to getting better and mentioned the use of technology as a way to achieve this goal.