NFL commissioner Roger Goodell held a press conference on Monday in which he discussed a wide variety of topics surrounding the league. As has been the case in recent years, the NFL’s potential future in Los Angeles was a hot topic.
Roger Goodell discusses Los Angeles, the Redskins salary cap penalties and more
The NFL could still be headed to Los Angeles. The Ravens may have to open the season on the road. The Redskins won’t get their salary cap penalties reduced. That and more from Roger Goodell.
Doug Pensinger
Goodell said the league is looking forward to re-engaging in discussions and working toward a potential project in Los Angeles. AEG founder Phillip Anschutz recently said it was time for the NFL to get serious and decide what they want to do in Los Angeles and Goodell said the league will step up and explore if a deal can happen. As for potential sites, Goodell said Chavez Ravine is one of a number of viable locations in Los Angeles.
The commissioner was also asked several questions about the salary cap penalty imposed on the Washington Redskins. Washington challenged the penalty they were given and Goodell said no changes will be made.
“I’ve told the Redskins directly, there will be no change in that,” Goodell said.
Focusing on the 2013 season, Goodell said the league would like the Baltimore Ravens to open the season at home on Sept. 5, but the NFL continues to work on the details with the Baltimore Orioles and Major League Baseball. Goodell said the ideal situation would be to have the Orioles play a day game with the Ravens hosting a night game to kick off the season. The NFL is willing to delay the start of the game as they try to work out accommodations.
Goodell said the league would not hold the season opener on Sept. 4, due to Rosh Hashanah. If the two sides are unable to work out accommodations, Goodell said the only other option is to send the Ravens on the road for the season opener.
Looking ahead to future seasons, Goodell said regular season schedule changes and postseason expansion are possible, although not this season. The offseason schedule could also change and the NFL has presented the players an alternative calendar. Future Super Bowl locations will be decided soon and the blackout during Super Bowl XLVII isn't likely to keep New Orleans out of the running.
“I don’t think it will have any effect at all for New Orleans hopes of getting another one.”
Goodell praised the improved effort during the Pro Bowl and said discussions with staff and players will continue as the league looks for ideas to make future games more competitive and exciting. Finally, when asked about inappropriate questions during the NFL Scouting Combine, Goodell said the league is following up with players and representatives. He said the NFL is working with team executives to make sure it’s clear what questions can and cannot be asked.
“We will do things the right way.”
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