By Adrian Manguit
EBC Florida Bureau
IRVING, Texas (Eagle News) – Which NFL player made the humongous $200 million dollars, 5-year extension recently? Is it 5-time Super Bowl champion, Tom Brady? Maybe it’s one of the most electrifying players in the league, wide receiver Antonio Brown. What about the defensive sack-artist of the Denver Broncos, Von Miller? It is none of those players mentioned above.
Roger Goodell, the NFL’s commissioner, signed the massive extension during today’s NFL owners meeting. The contract will end in 2024, when it is rumored Goodell will retire from the helm of the NFL. Goodell’s reign as commissioner has been controversial, as many issues besides the game, has come to the surface into the media spotlight.
Goodell handled the backlash of the actions of Colin Kaepernick, and many after him, kneeling during the national anthem in protest of police brutality of African-Americans. Goodell was asked for an update of fan attendance in NFL games, in relation to the protests, during today’s press conference.
“Our attendance is off by one percent. We are over 98 percent filled to capacity, which is about where we’ve been in the past,” Goodell answered. He also states that there are teams that are going through logistical transitions, like the Los Angeles Chargers, that have affected fan attendance.
Goodell was also asked about the recent sexual harassment allegations against former players, Marshall Faulk, Ike Taylor, Heath Evans, Eric Davis, and Warren Sapp, who all now work on the the NFL Network as correspondents.
“We take that very seriously. Those are issues that are important to us. We want to make sure that all of our employees, whether at the NFL Network or at the league office or at clubs, are working in a safe and comfortable environment. Any time that doesn’t exist, we are going to make sure that we deal with that very quickly and seriously.” Goodell said.
Goodell also addressed rumors that this may be his last contract with the NFL.
“On the subject of this being my last contract, I haven’t made any determinations. This is something where I’m looking forward. I’m looking to the challenges. Our league is in a great position but we obviously have challenges just like any other industry. We are excited about addressing those as a league, and I think we are doing that from a position of strength.”
Goodell definitely has major challenges facing the NFL. With more and more research being done concerning CTE, severe injuries to their major stars, and participation of children in schools for this brutal sport. Goodell has many opportunities to earn his new extension and provide a direction, also maintain stability in the league by his leadership.
(Eagle News Service)