Today National League Football Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke to the media about domestic abuse. They NFL and NFLPA have also released a revised drug policy today.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has been officially banned by the NFL. The drug policy stated, "A first violation will result in a suspension without pay of up to six games depending on the nature of the violation. Use of a diuretic or masking agent will result in a suspension without pay of two games. Use of a steroid, stimulant, HGH or other banned substance will result in a suspension without pay of four games. Evidence of an attempt to manipulate a test will result in a suspension without pay of six games."
"A second violation of the steroid policy will result in a suspension without pay of 10 games. A third violation will result in banishment for a minimum of two years. "
"Players who test positive for banned stimulants in the off-season will no longer be suspended. Instead, the player will be referred to the substance abuse program. Players who test positive for banned stimulants during the season will continue to be suspended without pay for four games."
Goodell was suppose to take the podium at 3:00 PM ET. However, it took till 3:17 PM ET for him to arrive. He started his conference by blaming himself.
"I got it wrong, but now I will get it right." Goodell on Ray Rice situation. He also went on to state the NFL will give education to players and teams so they will raise awareness about domestic violence. Goodell claimed it has been a huge privilege to work for the NFL.
"Domestic violence, including child abuse, these activities must be stopped by discipline. [However], everyone deserves a fair process." Goodell and the NFLPA stand together about this issue. He will make changes to the Personal Conduct Policy and wants to have it done by the Super Bowl. The Commissioner will begin a "Conduct Comittee."
Goodell continued to make the case that the NFL will make this right. He also stated that the league asked for the Rice tape on "several occasions"
Going back to the Adrian Peterson issue, Goodell said, "[I am] disappointed in what Adrian Peterson is involved with. I have two daughters, it was very difficult to see."
The Commissioner said he is focused on his job and will not resign. He said he never considered. "I acknowledged my mistake," said Goodell, after being asked why he should stay as the NFL Commissioner.
Later in the conference, Goodell obviously dodged multiple questions surrounding the Rice case. The good thing is he has claimed multiple times that he will do his best to fix this issue. He also believes he has 100% support from the league owners.
Goodell says NFL will find experts to help them decide how to improve their system. He continues to answer questions the same way. Also, the Commissioner said he has never been personally abused.
At about 3:50 PM ET someone in the corner of the room squealed, "Don't take me to an elevator!" This man disrupted the press conference and the voice was heard on television. They received the attention of the whole room. The person disrupting the press conference was later reported from the Howard Stern show.
A TMZ reporter 'called out' Goodell for not being able to not get the tape. Goodell did not have any intrest in answering that question. However, he knows the NFL has a problem. He is willing to fix it.
The press conference ended lasting about 45 minutes.
It is very good to see Goodell is pushing the message forward that he wants and needs help to get the NFL back on track. He also said, "We have to get our house in order." There is still an issue of fairness when it comes to the players. Rice was not given fairness in this press conference. Goodell will be criticized for not responding and exposing the issue with Rice. He tried very hard not to leak any inside info in that care.
The best thing was, he admitted he messed up. He is sorry and he realizes a changed needs to be made. It will be interesting to see how the NFL and NFLPA will move towards a greater future.