Goodell acknowledged as much in the letter.
“At times, however, and despite our best efforts, we fall short of our goals,” Goodell wrote. “We clearly did so in response to a recent incident of domestic violence. … My disciplinary decision led the public to question our sincerity, our commitment, and whether we understood the toll that domestic violence inflicts on so many families. I take responsibility both for the decision and for ensuring that our actions in the future properly reflect our values.
Key Points to NFL Initiative
Information from Roger Goodell’s letter to owners and ESPN sources on stepped-up punishment for abuse under NFL’s personal conduct policy:
• Policy applies to all incidents involving physical force, not just domestic violence
• Six-game suspension for first offense (could be longer under certain circumstances)
• Lifetime ban for second offense (can apply for reinstatement after one year)
• Policy applies to all NFL personnel, not just players
• Policy is not retroactive; everyone starts with clean slate
• Those identified as “at risk” for committing offenses offered counseling; refusal could affect future discipline
• Confidential counseling offered to all personnel and families
“I didn’t get it right.”
To be counted as an “offense,” a player would not necessarily have to be convicted in a court of law, but each incident will be judged on its own merits. The updated personal conduct policy had the approval of all 32 owners, Dominik’s source said.
“Our personal conduct policy has long made clear that domestic violence and sexual assault are unacceptable. We clearly must do a better job of addressing these incidents in the NFL. And we will,” the commissioner wrote.
Goodell was affected more by people closer to him, including some owners, than by public reaction, the source told Brandt.
The source told Brandt that Goodell had discussions with NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith and that lawyers for the league and union also talked, although it was unclear if an agreement was reached between the two sides.
from espn.com
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