NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has done some good things in his role. The latest example was an ability to get a new collective bargaining agreement hashed out between the league and Players’ Association.
But someone in Goodell’s position doesn’t change his colors midstream. In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic plaguing the world, his league decided that the 2020 NFL Draft would still go on as planned next month.
In and of itself, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some factions around the NFL might not agree with the decision. That’s fine. Opposing viewpoints are necessary.
Of course, that’s unless you are Mr. Goodell.
In a memo sent out to teams Thursday night announcing that the draft will go on as planned starting April 23, Goodell also provided this caveat. Continued public criticism directed at the NFL for its decision not to postpone the draft could be met with discipline.
“Public discussion of issues relating to the draft serves no useful purpose.” What type of banana republic is Goodell running from New York City? When has public discourse ever been a bad thing? That’s especially true in these rather confusing times.
For Mr. Goodell, it’s take one step forward to go two steps back. I am pretty sure that NFL teams and players within the league are going to enjoy this statement, one that was obviously leaked to the public in general.