Goodell's Letter To NFL Fans

[Tom Kessenich]

Forgive me while I projectile vomit. Sorry Roger, but you have zero credibility in my eyes.

To NFL Fans:

The National Football League is at its best when the focus is on the players and the action on the field, not on labor negotiations.

All of us who love the sport appreciate the skills and dedication of the players and coaches. That is why we are focused not just on what happens on the field but what our game will be like in another decade or two. The NFL has always tried to look ahead, to innovate, and to constantly improve in all we do.

We recognize that some decisions may be difficult to accept in the passion of the moment, but my most important responsibility is to improve the game for this generation and the next.

I believe in accountability, not excuses. And I regret we were not able to secure an agreement sooner in the process and avoid the unfortunate distractions to the game. You deserve better.

As a lifelong fan, this wasn't an easy process for anyone involved. I particularly want to commend the replacement officials for taking on an unenviable task and doing it with focus and dedication in the most adverse of circumstances.

Our new agreement gives long-term stability to an important aspect of our game, officiating. More important, with this agreement, officiating will be better in the long run. While the financial issues received the most attention, these negotiations were much more about long-term reforms. For example, beginning with the 2013 season, the NFL will have the option of hiring a number of officials on a full-time basis to work year-round, including on the field. In addition, the NFL will have the option to retain additional officials for training and development purposes, and may assign those additional officials to work NFL games.

We are moving forward with the finest officials in sports back on the field. It's time to put the focus where it belongs – on the clubs and players and our magnificent game, with a special thanks to our fans for their passion.

[Greg Ambrosius]

As a lifelong fan, this wasn't an easy process for anyone involved. I particularly want to commend the replacement officials for taking on an unenviable task and doing it with focus and dedication in the most adverse of circumstances.

Roger, PLEEEEEEEEEEEEASE!!! Your credibility with the fans was lost long ago, but this last statement is even worse than your statement on Tuesday agreeing that it was a "simultaneous catch." As Ed Hochli said, in 450+ NFL games that he's reffed he's never seen a simultaneous catch. Please stop appeasing the scabs you hired who were not qualified for the job you paid them for. It's laughable how you've handled all of this.

It was a power play, plain and simple. It blew up in your face. You embarrassed the shield. You've made this an asterisk season and I'm not just saying that from the Packers' and Seahawks' perspective. There were too many close games during the first three weeks to say that calls didn't decide more than 1 NFL outcome. You can look at Detroit-Tennessee last week and many others where the outcome could have gone either way.

You are so lucky that you have the most passionate, loyal, loving fan base in sports. Nobody is leaving the NFL over this. Nobody is quitting fantasy football over this. Nobody is leaving your beloved TV contracts over this. But you tarnished the integrity of the league over a few million bucks and a position that wasn't worth taking into the regular season and that will be your legacy for years to come.

[Old School]

Tom/Greg,

Why so much venom towards Goodell? He's really just a puppet for the owners IMO. He takes the heat. Get mad at greedy owners. Always follow the money..and it's not in Goodells pocket

[Captain Hook]

Tom/Greg,

Why so much venom towards Goodell? He's really just a puppet for the owners IMO. He takes the heat. Get mad at greedy owners. Always follow the money..and it's not in Goodells pocket

Mostly true Joe but what do you think would have happened if Goodell had said to the owners - No we need the referees for the good fo the game and the safety of the players more than we need to bust the union

[Greg Ambrosius]

Tom/Greg,

Why so much venom towards Goodell? He's really just a puppet for the owners IMO. He takes the heat. Get mad at greedy owners. Always follow the money..and it's not in Goodells pocket

I would hope anyone who gets paid $20 million a year would be more than a puppet, Joe. I believe he can rally the owners and get them to move when needed. Come on, they just credited him with negotiating day and night to get this deal done. I think he has some influence on the owners, good and bad.

[NorCalAtlFan]

Tom/Greg,

Why so much venom towards Goodell? He's really just a puppet for the owners IMO. He takes the heat. Get mad at greedy owners. Always follow the money..and it's not in Goodells pocket

I would hope anyone who gets paid $20 million a year would be more than a puppet, Joe. I believe he can rally the owners and get them to move when needed. Come on, they just credited him with negotiating day and night to get this deal done. I think he has some influence on the owners, good and bad.

that's all your boy selig is.........

[Fourslot40]

Goodell works for the owners. The owners make the call in the officials settlement. Why wouldn't Goodell back the owners and defend the replacement officials? Why would he provide leverage for the real officials? He knows the fans are always going to watch. The attendance and ratings this year say so. Seems pretty simple to me. It's just business. Everyone will still be watching this week.

[Tom Kessenich]

I blame everyone who had a hand in what has now become a tainted season.

[Old School]

Tom/Greg,

Why so much venom towards Goodell? He's really just a puppet for the owners IMO. He takes the heat. Get mad at greedy owners. Always follow the money..and it's not in Goodells pocket

I would hope anyone who gets paid $20 million a year would be more than a puppet, Joe. I believe he can rally the owners and get them to move when needed. Come on, they just credited him with negotiating day and night to get this deal done. I think he has some influence on the owners, good and bad.

20 mil ??? Holy Frijole. And he's got a hot wife. I might have to re-think that then.