NFL: Grading Commissioner Rodger Goodell
In his eight years as commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell has had a lasting impact on both the safety and financial status of both the league and game. (Find league revenue numbers since hired). He has also dealt with major league crisis such as the rise in domestic violence cases, concussions and individual franchise violations (Deflate Gate etc.)
Handling of Domestic Violence Cases
Goodell’s history and part in handling domestic violence cases is spoty. Did he see the Ray Rice video; Did he not see the video? Who knows. All we know is that it was a HUGE PR issue that required others to clean up on his behalf. Since the new league policies have been implemented, he’s maintained a steady, pre-scripted dialog. The Greg Hardy suspension alteration is another black-eye on his handling on the issue.
Concussions and Player Safety
The Commissioner has created a larger impact on the health/safety aspect of the league than anyone in the history of the league. Whether it’s the game play changes (justified or not) or the off-the-field research, his mark is forever cemented in how the game is played. Following the 2012 season, Goodell helped push forward new game day rules in an attempt to diminish concussions and other major injuries (ACL, MCL etc.). Following the 2013 season, the league reported a 13 percent decrease in concussions. There was a 22 percent decrease in helmet to helmet injuries to go with that as well. Similarly, the league announced a ten percent decrease in ACL injuries. Careers, and most importantly, lives have been saved by the new rules and standards implemented by the commissioner.
Franchise Violations
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We’ve reached another gray area of Rodger Goodell’s tenure as Commissioner of the NFL. While he doesn’t always have the final word on franchise punishments, his role in handing down the Deflate Gate punishment and subsequent hearings has some questioning whether he’s overstepped. Refusing to step aside as the overseer of the Brady hearings is a major redflag in my mind.
Finance
The NFL is by far the most powerful sports industry in the world, and nothing will stop it from being so. They generate over $9 billion in wealth, which is largely untouched in this ever-evolving industry. Managing 32 franchises, rapid commercial growth and brand recognition have been some of the comish’s best attributes.
Mocks Roundtable
Erik Lambert: I give him a solid B. He’s done a lot of things good for the game in terms of player safety, stiffer penalties for serious transgressions and also continuing to elevate the game as a worldwide brand. However, he’s also had some sour notes including some questionable rule changes that I feel take away from the excitement of the game as well as some really bad moments of stubbornness like the replacement refs fiasco.
Matthew Holowiak: I’m going C-. I know it’s a very hard job and there has been some good that he’s done, but in recent years his job has become a witch hunt and it’s gotten pretty sad to watch. There are cases of serious actions getting minimal punishments and minimal actions getting serious punishments. I think until he can get some consistency in how he runs the league there will only be more problems.
George Stockburger: Rodger Goodell gets a B, but a very low B at that. The domestic violence issues hit the NFL Commissioner’s reputation hard. His work in the financial aspect of the league and helping implement life changing game play standards kept him up in my gradebook.