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Goodell Vows To Reform Conduct Policy: "Nothing Is Off The Table"

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Friday made his first public statements in nine days and laid out a goal of implementing new personal conduct policies regarding domestic violence before the next Super Bowl. He added that this process will involve the input of the NFLPA and outside experts.

Goodell began his press conference accepting responsibility for the current climate: "We have seen all too much of the NFL doing wrong. That starts with me. ... I got it wrong in the handling of the Ray Rice matter, and I'm sorry for that. I got it wrong on a number of levels, from the process that I led to the decision that I reached. But now I will get it right and do whatever is necessary to accomplish that."

He then shifted to discussing the steps the league is already taking, such as the inquiry by former FBI Dir Robert Mueller: "I promise you that any shortcomings he finds in how we dealt with the situation will lead to swift action. ... We will get our house in order first." He also mentioned partnerships with the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Goodell: "These incidents demonstrate that we can use the NFL to help create change, not only in our league but in society. ... We will re-examine, enhance and improve all of our current programs, and then we'll do more." 

On disciplining players, Goodell said, "These activities must be condemned and stopped through education and discipline. Our standards and the consequences of falling short must be clear, consistent and current. They must be implemented through procedures that are fair and transparent. ... Our country has a legal system that everyone needs to respect. When there is evidence of misconduct by anyone in the NFL, we need to carefully consider when to act and on what evidence. Everyone deserves a fair process."

Goodell said he has held talks with NFLPA Exec Dir DeMaurice Smith and that the two "will meet next week to bring together experts to help us establish and live up to the standards that our fans deserve." Goodell: "I will be asking these experts to examine all current NFL policies related to employee and player conduct and discipline. There will be changes to our personal conduct policy. I know this because we will make it happen. Nothing is off the table. ... My goal is to complete this by the Super Bowl" (NFL Network, 9/19).

For more on this story, see Sunday's Weekend Rap.

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