NFL Commissioner Goodell: 'The Same Mistakes Can Never Be Repeated'
NEW YORK (CBSDFW.COM) -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made his first statements in over a week on Friday regarding the league's response to domestic violence issues.
The league has faced harsh criticism from the public for not reacting quickly or strongly enough to a number of domestic abuse cases involving players.
Goodell has also faced criticism for suddenly disappearing.
"At our best, the NFL sets an example that makes a positive difference," said Goodell on Friday. "Unfortunately, over the past several weeks, we have seen all too much of the NFL doing wrong. That starts with me."
Goodell again accepted responsibility for mishandling the Ray Rice case, in which he initially suspended the running back for just two games. When surveillance video was released of Rice punching his fiancee -- which Goodell insists he did not see prior to issuing his ruling -- the NFL suspended the Baltimore veteran indefinitely.
"I got it wrong on a number of levels. From the process that I led, to the decision that I reached. But now I will get it right and do whatever is necessary to accomplish that."
When asked if he has considered resigning, Goodell confidently responded, saying "I have not. I have focused on doing my job to the best of my abilities."
Goodell referenced former FBI director Robert Mueller, who is now conducting an independent investigation of the league's handling of the case. Goodell says that Mueller will have the full cooperation of the NFL.
"I promise you that any shortcoming he finds in how we dealt with the situation will lead to swift action. The same mistakes can never be repeated."
The league is taking a number of steps to improve its programs and inform NFL personnel of the programs available. Teams and league staff will all attend education sessions in the next month, followed by training programs developed by a group of top experts.
On Thursday night, the NFL sent a memo to the league's 32 teams announcing a new partnership with the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.
Goodell said the partnership will "enable both the hotline and NSVRC to help more people affected by domestic violence and sexual assault."
Adrian Peterson was indicted in south Texas on child abuse charges last week. He was deactivated by the Vikings and placed on the exempt-commissioner's permission list. That came just two days after the team had announced the Peterson would practice and likely play this weekend.
Goodell believes the NFL must "carefully consider" when it is appropriate to act.
"Our country has a legal system which everyone needs to expect," said Goodell. "When there's evidence of misconduct by anyone in the NFL, we need to carefully consider when to act and on what evidence. Everyone deserves a fair process."
In the face of criticism, the league quickly moved to adopt harsher penalties for domestic violence offenses last month. But Goodell expects a full overhaul of the league's personal conduct policy, saying it needs improving.
"There will be changes to our personal conduct policy. Nothing is off the table," Goodell said. "My goal is to complete this by the Super Bowl."
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