Some owners were concerned about the controversy that stemmed from the Kareem Hunt caseGETTY IMAGES
Some NFL owners are "interested in revisiting how the league investigates criminal allegations made against players, with an eye toward potential revisions of the league's investigative methods and possible consideration of whether it should be conducting such probes at all," according to Mark Maske of the WASHINGTON POST. Sources said that owners are "concerned about the controversy that resulted from the investigation into Kareem Hunt." Sources added that the number of owners with heightened concerns is "relatively small but growing." The owners are "said to be supportive of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and his efforts to address the issue of domestic violence committed by players and other league employees." Sources said the concerns are "focused on the league's investigative procedures rather than on Goodell." One team source said that they do not "believe that there is a large number of owners with major concerns" but acknowledged there likely "are a few," perhaps led by Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones. Jones has "expressed dissatisfaction with the league's investigation" of Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott. The source added that they "believe there is a specific agenda item on that topic" at Wednesday's owners' meeting in Dallas. The "string of controversies that have resulted from Goodell's disciplinary rulings, the NFLPA's repeated challenges of them and the resulting scrutiny of the league's investigations seem to have left some owners weary" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 12/7).
FOSTERING OUTRAGE: In DC, Will Hobson noted Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released a letter he sent to Goodell "expressing outrage" about the Redskins' "apparently cursory internal investigation that preceded the club's decision" to claim LB Reuben Foster off of waivers, just days after his second arrest on charges of domestic violence in '18. Blumenthal wrote, "The team's so-called investigation did not even include contacting the Tampa police for information." Blumenthal referred to a claim by Redskins President Bruce Allen that the team had "obtained new information from unnamed sources in Tampa." Blumenthal also wrote Foster's case indicates that "many organizations within the NFL still operate with a stunningly obtuse and craven moral calculus -- win at all costs -- and refuse to investigate claims against players." The letter also "demanded from Goodell a detailed timeline regarding the league's response" to the allegation of assault against Hunt (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 12/7).
HAS ANYTHING CHANGED? In N.Y., Draper & Belson wrote four years after "another damning surveillance video" -- Ray Rice's elevator incident -- the Hunt video "reveals how the league continues to struggle with challenges similar to those that plagued the Rice investigation." The NFL said that its investigators "had not spoken to Hunt about the hotel assault in February when they interviewed him this fall -- in meetings that can sometimes last hours -- because it was still gathering evidence." However, an examination of the investigation "shows that the NFL relied on the word of the Chiefs, who had a vested interest in keeping a star on the field, and did not press to independently verify the account of the incident that Hunt gave to them." Those actions have "left the NFL trying to explain another high-profile stumble in its stated effort to take seriously accusations that its players have behaved violently, especially in cases involving women" (N.Y. TIMES, 12/8).
INTEREST IN HUNT: CBSSPORTS.com's Jason La Canfora reported several teams had "serious internal conversations" about claiming Hunt on waivers last week, but no NFL owner "ultimately signed off on doing so." However, league sources said that "numerous teams remain in contact" with Hunt as he "undergoes counseling and awaits discipline." Sources also said that the NFL has "talked to Hunt about an incident that took place in June," but the league "did not interview Hunt about the February incident." Sources said Hunt is "eager to speak with NFL officials and do whatever he can to aid the investigation, though it often takes months" (CBSSPORTS.com, 12/9). ESPN.com's Adam Schefter cited a source as saying that Hunt has "started working with the NFL on a treatment and counseling program." Hunt has "voluntarily sought counseling after being involved in multiple violent off-the-field incidents this past year, all of which the league is now taking into consideration for potential future discipline." This is a "first step that would have likely been mandated by the NFL down the road" (ESPN.com, 12/9).
NEXT MAN UP? NBCSPORTS.com's Peter King writes there was a "hidden yet significant announcement" made by Goodell on Thursday in appointing Chris Halpin as the league's new Exec VP & Chief Strategy & Growth Officer. Halpin is a "rising star, trusted by league and club officials alike." It will be "interesting to see if he can one day be a candidate to replace Goodell" (NBCSPORTS.com, 12/10).
