In his nearly 17 years as the commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell has become a polarizing figure throughout all of sports, and some fans don’t really like some of the decisions and changes he has made during his tenure.
But he isn’t going anywhere, as NFL owners are about to hand him a multi-year extension to remain at the helm of the league.
Roger Goodell and NFL owners are expected to finalize a multi-year contract extension for the commissioner at next week’s owners meetings in Phoenix, league sources told ESPN.
More coming up on ESPN’s NFL Live. pic.twitter.com/vJ4eVr4e3X
—Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 20, 2023
Fans on Twitter seemed disappointed with the news.
how is Roger Goodell getting an extension before Lamar Jackson 😒
—domer † (@FlockVerse) March 20, 2023
A reminder to all NFL fans that the league has one goal, and only one.
Make more money.
—Matt Williams (@MattWi77iams) March 20, 2023
NOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/rbwCycFNa1
— Naz (Goat) Reid (35-37) 🐺 (@NazGoatReid) March 20, 2023
I was really hoping to finally be done with him. The NFL continually demonstrates that change brings innovation. We need a change at the top of the NFL.
— drawkcaB ssA (@ hercules4181) March 20, 2023
This fan, however, feels Goodell is a solid leader who deserves an extension.
I honestly will never understand why people hate this man so much. Is it just because they need to hate someone? Lol He’s aight. Watching him with the players is cool at the draft
— Dustin Cehaich(Castle) (@castle345) March 20, 2023
Goodell became the commissioner of the NFL in 2006 when he replaced the popular and successful Paul Tagliabue.
Since then, he has made some good decisions, such as some rule changes that have been made with player safety in mind, especially after the greater awareness in recent years regarding brain trauma suffered by many players past and present.
However, Goodell has come under fire for what some see as inconsistent discipline given out to players who have allegedly been involved in off-the-field incidents, especially those that fall under the category of domestic violence.
For instance, some felt the 11-game suspension he handed Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson after being accused of sexual misconduct by dozens of female massage therapists was too lenient, especially after Calvin Ridley was suspended for the entire 2022 campaign due to gambling allegations.
Some have also criticized the commissioner for relaxing pass interference rules, which have resulted in a more up-tempo, offensive-minded game but less physicality.
Still, the NFL appears to be in a good place right now, as there are a number of young stars coming into their own while its popularity remains strong despite a small dip in ratings this past season.
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