Two senior NFL team executives speaking at SBJ/SBD's IMG World Congress of Sports strongly supported NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s decision to levy punitive fines and suspensions on the Saints. Packers President & CEO Mark Murphy said he was not surprised by Goodell’s decision. “Roger is very sincere that he’s not going to tolerate anything that puts at risk player health and safety,” Murphy said. “I know it was a difficult decision for him. But I knew he would act quickly.” Murphy expressed sympathy for Saints Owner Tom Benson, but reinforced his opinion that the punishment was justified. "I know Tom Benson is very disappointed," Murphy said, "but it was a very serious violation." Texans President Jamey Rootes agreed. “You have to step up when things like this happen,” he said, “regardless of the circumstance and to protect player safety” (THE DAILY).
For more from the conference, see today's issue of THE DAILY. Also, see a full agenda, follow the event on our blog and get updates via the SBJ/SBD Twitter feed.
Meanwhile, the NFLPA today issued a statement saying the union "looks forward to meeting with the Commissioner to discuss the League's 'Bounty' investigation. To date, neither the League, nor the Saints, have helped us facilitate interviews with members of management or the coaching staff. We expect the League to provide all information so that we can ensure a fair process for all who were involved" (NFLPA). NFL Senior VP/PR Greg Aiello said in an email, "We told the union that Saints coaches and other personnel are free to speak to the union if they choose. The commissioner has stated that he asked the union several weeks ago for its recommendation on player discipline" (Liz Mullen, SportsBusiness Journal).
