Roger Goodell: No apology to Saints' bounty players - Green Bay Press Gazette

IRVING, Texas -- Roger Goodell won't say he's sorry.

Not to Jonathan Vilma or Will Smith, not to Anthony Hargrove or Scott Fujita.

In his first public comments since the suspensions for the four players linked to the New Orleans Saints bounty scandal were vacated by former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, the current commissioner insisted that he doesn't owe anybody an apology.

"None of them should be feel very good about themselves," Goodell said Wednesday, following a half-day NFL meeting at a resort hotel near Dallas. "It's clear that a (bounty program) occurred for three years, despite all of their denials."

NFL Players Association chief DeMaurice Smith suggested earlier Wednesday in an interview with

CBS This Morning

that Goodell should apologize because the league's focus and punishment "maligned the character of the players."

Tagliabue, appointed by Goodell to rule on the players appeal of their suspensions, concurred that a bounty program existed. Yet Tagliabue differed sharply with Goodell on the punishment, concluding that the coaches and management figures that were disciplined -- including former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, suspended indefinitely -- had the primary responsibility.

"My point of view is that I hold everyone responsible," Goodell said. "We have to have personal responsibility. ? I fundamentally disagree that this is something that lies with coaches and management."

Despite Tuesday's ruling, Goodell still faces a defamation suit from Vilma, who drew a now-overturned one-season suspension that was the harshest of any player. Undoubtedly, Vilma's case will argue that the league engaged in selective discipline.

Given the twists in the Saints case -- which turned amid questions about the NFL's evidence and investigation tactics -- will it become harder for Goodell to discipline players?

"Absolutely not," he said. "I told the clubs that today. I'm going to continue to do what's right, particularly when it comes to health and safety."

Also:

The NFL will consider expanding its playoff field to 14 or 16 teams, increasing from the current 12-team arrangement. Goodell said the competition committee will study the prospect in the coming months. The committee will also explore whether to adopt a rule change to eliminate cut-blocking and other dangerous low blocks.

Josh Brent, the Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle charged with intoxication manslaughter as the driver during an alcohol-related, one-car accident last week that killed practice squad linebacker Jerry Brown, won't be suspended -- yet. The Cowboys placed Trent on the non-football illness list Wednesday, which allows him to receive support and other resources from the team while not being on the active roster. Said Goodell, "I think we'll allow the legal process to move forward."

Goodell said he spoke to Smith on Tuesday about addressing an alcohol policy that does not suspend players for a first-offense DUI conviction. Players are fined two game checks, enrolled in counseling and subject to random testing after a first offense. With 18 players arrested this year for DUI, Goodell said that in addition to stricter discipline, he and Smith talked about focusing on education. Said Goodell, "How do we help our players understand the issues?"

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