The “growing influence” of Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones among NFL owners was discussed on ESPN’s “OTL” today. Jones in an owners-only meeting last week in Phoenix pushed to limit the penalties for marijuana use and off-field legal issues, including limiting off-field investigations. ESPN’s Andrew Brandt said for Jones to “throw that out, maybe it’s an opening salvo for the next negotiations” with the NFLPA. But ESPN’s Bob Ley said the NFLPA is “going to want something more of substance being discussed” than just marijuana. Brandt: “They want to see marijuana as a health and safety issue, like concussions, something they don’t have to bargain. But Jerry Jones, if he’s going to give up marijuana, he’s going to want something in return.”
Brandt said the legacy of Roger Goodell will be as the “Conduct Commissioner,” because that issue is the “commissioner’s baby.” Brandt noted Jones could be pitching more owners-only meetings with the thinking that Goodell “works for us … (and) we control the collective bargaining topics that we’re going to negotiate” (“OTL,” ESPN, 4/4).
