NFL Commissioner
Roger Goodell
said Tuesday the league is “aggressively gathering data” on the accusations against
Brett Favre
but declined to define a time frame for the investigation or say whether suspending the Vikings quarterback is an option.
“I’d be hesitant to say anything until I … make sure we can get all the information,” Goodell said after the league’s annual one-day fall owners meetings in Chicago. “We’re seeking to get cooperation to make sure we understand all the facts.”
The allegations stem from a Deadspin.com report that while quarterback of the Jets in 2008, Favre made advances to a female TV reporter working for the team, including texting her X-rated photos of himself. Favre has declined to address the accusations repeatedly but reportedly made a tearful apology to his Vikings teammates before their “Monday Night Football” game against the Jets, telling them he never meant to be a distraction.
Goodell has made the league’s so-called Personal Conduct Policy a hallmark of his tenure, and he previously has suspended star quarterbacks Michael Vick and Ben Roethlisberger for what amounted to conduct detrimental to the league.
“Before we jump to any conclusions, let’s be sure we understand the facts,” said Goodell, who has no immediate plans to meet with Favre.
Labor talk: These were the last scheduled meetings before the collective bargaining agreement expires in March, and the labor issue was the main focus of discussions.
Labor peace has been a cornerstone of the league’s popularity since the last work stoppage in 1987. Since, every other major professional sports league has had either a lockout or strike.
“This will be resolved at the collective-bargaining table,” Goodell said. “Our focus is to get there sooner rather than later, get an agreement and bargain in good faith so that we can continue to play football.”
New England Patriots owner
Robert Kraft
said he’s confident the NFL and the players’ union can reach an agreement before a lockout, perhaps before the end of this season.
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“We’re moving ahead,” Kraft said.
Advocate Ditka: Owners heard a presentation from former Bears coach and Hall of Fame tight end
Mike Ditka,
advocating more financial support for retired players.
“We’ve all heard the old story that the union only represents the present players. That’s what Gene said, and he was wrong,” Ditka said, referring to the late
Gene Upshaw,
longtime executive director of the NFL Players Assn. “If it’s a family then, it’s a family now. You just don’t break up the family. We all paid our dues.”
Ditka said the issue of better care for retired players should figure prominently in the new CBA negotiations, but he conceded it’s not the top issue the sides are discussion.
“You have an $8 billion business, you have to take care of it and make sure it doesn’t go sour,” he said. “Don’t kill the golden goose.”