“I do believe it will be approved for 2015.”
Quotables: Waiting for 2015
Roger Goodell predicts an expanded playoffs for 2015. The Bills president is committed to keeping the team in Western New York, and the rest of what the NFL world is talking about on Wednesday morning.
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
-- Roger Goodell on NFL playoff expansion
When the NFL owners met on Tuesday, one of the major resolutions on the table was the prospect of expanding the playoffs from 12 to 14 teams. That discussion was tabled for the fall, but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell believes it will happen as early as 2015.
Enhancing the Thursday night package of games is at the forefront of the league’s focus for the time being, and Goodell stated as much during the press conference.
With respect to expanded playoffs, NFL Players Association Executive Director DeMaurice Smith has indicated the union may not approve of such a measure. However, Goodell said it would be a good thing for the players since they would see more revenue and thus a higher salary cap.
“The decision will probably leave most NFL beat writers crestfallen.”
-- Eric J. Thompson, The Daily Norseman
Super Bowl LII is coming to the Twin Cities, as Minnesota beat out Indianapolis and New Orleans for the right to host the game. What makes the upset even more impressive is the fact that 2018 marks the 300th anniversary of New Orleans' establishment.
But a new, state-of-the-art stadium slated to be ready for the 2016 season was enough to win the bid. Though the cold weather will be a challenge to overcome, there are eight miles of skyways in downtown Minneapolis that will assist visitors in negotiating the treacherous climate in comfort.
The last time Minneapolis hosted the Super Bowl was in 1992, when the Washington Redskins defeated the Buffalo Bills.
“My sole interest and responsibility [is] to make sure the team stays in Western New York.”
-- Russ Brandon, Buffalo Bills president and CEO
With the Bills’ ownership situation in a state of flux, there is wide concern among the fan base as to whether the team will move from its current home of Orchard Park, N.Y. It appears that they needn’t be concerned, as the team is committed to staying
Recently, a Toronto-based group hoping to enter the bidding war ran into issues when fans staged a revolt and offered up a petition to keep the team in Western New York. The campaign featured a jab at recording artist Jon Bon Jovi, who has been at the forefront of Toronto’s bid.
“I’m expecting to have him [for the entire season].”
-- Ravens QB Joe Flacco on Ray Rice
As the Ray Rice saga continues, there's still some uncertainty as to what, if any, league discipline will come as a result of the altercation the running back had with his then-fiancee.
Quarterback Joe Flacco doesn’t foresee the league suspending Rice for any length of time.
Despite a plea deal that will see him avoid jail time, it’s unclear whether or not the league or team has any plans to take action further than what the courts decide.
“Physically, I’m feeling decent. I still have a little ways to go from a rehab standpoint.”
-- Colts owner Jim Irsay
At some point, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was going to have to face questions about his legal troubles stemming from four felony counts as a result of an arrest on March 16. That time came on Tuesday during his first public appearance since the incident.
But Irsay avoided the questions that inevitably came, instead focusing on his physical health and business with the Colts. He gave a five-minute presentation to his fellow owners in an attempt to sell them on choosing Indianapolis as host for the 2018 Super Bowl.
The other major question surrounding Irsay is whether or not he will face any discipline from the league. Because of Goodell’s strict habits in terms of punishing players for various infractions, the commissioner faces increased pressure to come down equally hard on owners.
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