The NFL will "study and examine the 2013 preseason games to see what can be improved in hopes of offering a better product in the future," according to a source cited by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said that his "goal is for a more fan-friendly and watchable preseason." The league also has "discussed -- and will continue to discuss -- the possibility of lowering preseason ticket prices across the board." One team "can't just drop prices; it would have to be a league-induced change." However, the NFL "can't impose it unilaterally; owners would have to vote on the proposed change at an owners' meeting" (NFL.com, 8/7). PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Mike Florio wrote it is "fair to infer the league wants to send a message, with minimal obvious fingerprints." The message is the 18-game regular season "remains on the table, with 18-and-2, 16-and-2, and 17-and-3 being the possible configurations of the regular season and preseason." This is "about coming up with a path to an expanded regular season, which the players and many fans and media members have resisted" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 8/7).
EXAMINING THE NFL'S VETTING PROCESS: THE MMQB's Andrew Brandt noted several team owners have been in the news for legal issues this summer and wrote, "Whether it is the Wilfs in Minnesota or Jimmy Haslam in Cleveland, these allegations do not reflect well on the league." Brandt: "I will say this: the vetting process by the NFL is comprehensive and broad, with many questions asked about finances and background issues." In these cases, it is unknown "if questions simply weren’t asked or if they were asked and the NFL was satisfied with the answers." Brandt: "Unfortunately for both franchises, this negative publicity will linger" (MMQB.SI.com, 8/7).
