I don't hate Goodell. 

 

I think he's been a bit heavy handed in the way he's handled punishment for players who have strayed from the righteous path and have threatened the well crafted PR image of the NFL shield.  I did agree with his changes to the player conduct rules, but I think the way he hands out punishment is pretty random depending on the violation.  I also don't like the fact that he has complete control over the punishment handed down, AND he hears the appeals.  That shouldn't be part of the commissioner's job role.

 

As far as rules changes go, he has nothing to do with that, so people who don't like him for that reason need to educate themselves because there's a committee responsible for rules.  He may express an opinion one way or the other, but he does not have a say in the rules applied on the field. 

 

The 18 game schedule would actually benefit the players AND the fans.  The pie would increase for the player's cut of the profits, and the fans would get 2 fewer meaningless preseason games.  From a season ticket holder's perspective, I would welcome an 18 game schedule because if I'm paying full price for my tickets anyway, I might as well see games that matter.

 

Again, for the Thursday night games, that's not the commissioner.  That's the NFL Network, owners, fans, and sponsors looking at having another opportunity to expand profitability within the league.  If there wasn't a demand for games on Thursday nights, they wouldn't play them.  Fans want it, sponsors are willing to pay for it, and there's a league owned network that wants the ratings and revenue. 

 

Under Goodell, the league has managed to maintain some level of labor harmony, avoiding any strikes that would impact regular season play.  He hasn't pandered to the NFLPA giving them everything they want, which is a good thing for the league. 

 

He also was instrumental in coming to an agreement with the retired players over the concussion lawsuit, committing more than 3/4 of a billion dollars. 

 

While I don't agree with his views on London or Los Angeles, I understand what he's trying to accomplish.  I just think he allows a lot of chatter about specific franchises, including the Jaguars, being in the mix for relocation when there's nothing to support this.

 

I think it's a pointless expectation to think the league isn't focused first and foremost on the bottom line.  While the NFL itself is a not for profit operation, the teams and the network are not.  What company doesn't want to maximize their profits? 

 

It would be nice to see him wade into the blackout rule debates because that's a rule that has served its purpose and can now go away. 

 

Goodell serves at the will of the owners, and they aren't calling for his head. 

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