Jones was willing to resolve the issue because he believes he made his point about Goodell's contractGETTY IMAGES
Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones has "reimbursed the NFL" for more than $2M in legal fees, according to a source cited by Schefter & Archer of ESPN.com. The NFL in a statement yesterday said that the matter was "resolved but didn't provide details of the financial settlement." Jones had an "appeal hearing" with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Monday in West Palm Beach (ESPN.com, 3/7). In N.Y., Ken Belson writes Goodell has "won the latest tug-of-war" with Jones (N.Y. TIMES, 3/8). Also in N.Y., John Healy writes, "Chalk up another victory for Roger Goodell" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 3/8). In Dallas, David Moore writes there have been "worse days" for the Cowboys through the years, but yesterday was a "costly one." There are indications Jones "didn't pay the full amount initially sought by the league." Jones is willing to resolve this because he "believes he made his point about Goodell's contract." It is a "signal to fellow owners that the issue is resolved and he's ready to move on." Jones has a "rebellious streak." He "doesn't shy away from a fight." But he does this from "within the establishment, not as an outcast in the mold" of late Raiders Owner Al Davis. Davis "never came close to the sort of power Jones wields because he worked outside the system." If Jones "didn't let this drop, he would have lost influence going forward" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 3/8). ESPN's Mike Golic: "Here was possibly the only issue, was Jerry Jones going to make noise? Was he going to make noise and go public about it and I think all of these owners are a little tired of their spats of billionaires going public. Nothing will alienate you quicker than being worth over a billion dollars and you fighting with other billionaires" ("Golic & Wingo," ESPN Radio, 3/8).
