PHOENIX – NFL commissioner Roger Goodell held his annual Super Bowl news conference and here are the takeaways as it relates to the league’s investigation into New England Patriots underinflated footballs used in the AFC Championship Game:
Kraft not present. It caught my attention that Robert Kraft, one of the league’s most influential owners, was not in attendance. Kraft was believed to have another obligation, but one follow-up question from this perspective is: What could be more important than the once-a-year “state of the NFL” news conference when you're already in town? Kraft had called out the NFL on Monday as the Patriots arrived at Super Bowl XLIX and it would be easy to connect the dots that perhaps his lack of attendance was tied to that. But for context, ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio noted that there weren’t many owners in attendance (maybe a half-dozen). Kraft, who hasn’t always attended, is most often on hand for this address.
No knowledge of past in-game testing. Asked if the NFL has tested the air pressure in footballs during a game in the past, and how important that is as a frame of reference in the ongoing investigation, Goodell said he didn’t know the answer and that attorney Ted Wells will look into that as part of the investigation. From our viewpoint, this answer warrants scrutiny based on the magnitude of the NFL’s investigation and the media firestorm it has created. How could Goodell not know?
Response to Kraft’s remarks. When asked about Kraft’s remarks requesting an apology from the NFL if it couldn’t find conclusive evidence that footballs were tampered with, Goodell responded by saying he is simply doing his job. “This is my responsibility, to protect the integrity of the game, I represent 32 teams,” he said. “All of us want to make sure that the rules are being followed and if we have any information that potentially those rules were violated, I have to pursue that; I have to pursue that aggressively.”
Two areas in focus. Goodell narrowed the focus of the investigation to two areas: 1) Why were some footballs used in the game that were not in compliance with the rules; 2) Was that a result of deliberate action? Later, Goodell said, "Whether a competitive advantage is actually gained or not is secondary, in my mind, to whether that rule was violated. That's the integrity of our game. When those rules are violated, we will take that seriously."
No judgments made. Goodell said, “I want to emphasize, we have made no judgments on these points and we will not compromise the investigation by engaging in speculation.” Goodell did not address leaks to reporters, nor was he asked by those selected by public relations staffers in the news conference.
Goodell's ties to Kraft. Asked how he responds to remarks from Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman about his close ties to Kraft and how Sherman doesn't think the Patriots will face discipline, Goodell explained how his presence at Kraft's home before the AFC Championship Game was tied to an event with sponsors and how it's something he does on a regular basis. He also pointed out that he works closely with most owners, pointing out that Kraft's involvement on the broadcast and finance committees naturally links them. "I also admire him, respect, and think very highly of him on a personal level," he said. "There's no hiding from that standpoint. He knows me and that I'm not going to do anything to compromise the integrity of the league. I think he has no doubt that I'll do the right thing for the NFL." We are left to wonder how much Kraft's confidence in Goodell, based on this investigation, has been affected.