NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on domestic violence scandal: 'We didn't have the right voices at the table'


In a Friday press conference, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced a plan to overhaul the league's disciplinary process for issues like domestic abuse, and implement a new "clear, consistent, and current" policy by the end of the season. "We didn't have the right voices at the table," admitted Goodell during a post-conference Q&A.
Goodell reiterated that the past few weeks have "seen all too much of the NFL doing wrong," and specifically reiterated an apology for the way he handled Ray Rice's assault case. "I let myself down. I let everyone down. And for that I'm sorry," said Goodell.
Goodell said that the NFL has initiated "long-term partnerships" with the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Research Center. He also announced a nonspecific plan to overhaul disciplinary standards for spousal abuse, child abuse, and alcohol and drug use. "There will be changes to our personal conduct policy," said Goodell. "I know this because we will make it happen. Nothing is off the table."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
When asked if he had considered resigning as commissioner, Goodell said he hadn't. "I am focused on doing my job and doing the best of my abilities," he said. "We have a lot of work to do. That's my focus."

Continue reading for free
We hope you're enjoying The Week's refreshingly open-minded journalism.
Subscribed to The Week? Register your account with the same email as your subscription.