CBS, Fox, ESPN and NFL Network each addressed the NFL's off-field issues early on in today's pregame shows. CBS’ "The NFL Today" led with 10-plus minutes of discussion on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s Friday afternoon press conference and the controversies surrounding the league. "Fox NFL Sunday" led with a tribute to former NFLer Rob Bironas, who died in an overnight car crash. A 10-minute discussion on the league's recent issues followed, including analysis of Goodell's presser.
Thirteen minutes into ESPN's "NFL Countdown" was a three-minute report on the Ravens, followed by 12 minutes of discussion on how the Ravens and Vikings handled the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson cases, respectively. NFL Network aired a three-minute report on Goodell's press conference four minutes into "NFL GameDay Morning." FS1 led "Fox NFL Kickoff" with highlights of Goodell’s presser, followed by seven minutes of discussion. Meanwhile, NFL issues were featured prominently this morning on CBS' "Face the Nation" and ABC's "This Week" (THE DAILY).
Fox' Terry Bradshaw did not appear on "Fox NFL Sunday" due to the death of Bironas, his son-in-law. The net's Curt Menefee said, "Terry found out and obviously is leaving and is rushing to Nashville to be with his daughter Rachel, who just three months ago married Rob Bironas. Our condolences go out to the Bironas family, the Bradshaw family and everyone involved there." Howie Long added, "Heartbreaking day. Terry was very emotional when he left this morning to go back home" (“Fox NFL Sunday,” Fox, 9/21).
