Goodell’s Game Face

Two comments by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodel were particularly noteworthy during his annual state-of-the-league address that is part of Super Bowl week.

            The first is about rules, and it makes little sense. “We think the (overtime coin flip that gives the receiving team an advantage in sudden death) rule we have is a terrific rule, and it has served us well.” Apparently the opinion of most fans, players and coaches is immaterial.

“Served us well”?

            The second is about the Super Bowl – and its inherent excesses – in the context of an increasingly harsh recession. This one gives disingenuousness a bad name. “…Our fans have less disposable income, people have lost their jobs. The good news for us is we have a tremendous product. There’s a flight to quality in times like this.”

            A flight to quality rationalization is more like it.

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