NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has sent a memo to players and coaches on every team stressing that safety issues are important to the league and on-field conduct that risks injuries will result in severe penalties.
The memo, dated Wednesday, was sent to all teams with instructions that it should be distributed to all players and coaches.
Goodell's memo reads in full:
"Player safety on the field is important to all of us in the NFL. Football is a tough game and we need to do everything possible to protect all players--offense, defense, and special teams--from unnecessary injury caused by illegal and dangerous hits.
"From this point forward, you should be clear on the following point: Any conduct that unnecessarily risks the safety of other players has no role in the game of football and will be disciplined at increased levels, including on a first offense.
"Playing by the rules shows respect for your fellow players. No one wants to see unnecessary injuries. Let's have a safe and exciting 2008 season."
The memo comes on the heels of the league issuing a one-game suspension Tuesday to Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie cornerback Elbert Mack for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan during an interception return in a game last Sunday.
Mack reportedly is appealing the penalty.
Goodell Memo Stresses On-Field Safety....
NEW YORK (AP) — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has ruled that the Minnesota Vikings did not tamper with Brett Favre in trying to get the quarterback to sign with them.
Goodell said that while there were conversations between then-retired Favre and Vikings coaches, that none of the conversations suggested Favre was soliciting a job or that anyone was soliciting his services.
The Packers had filed the charges, based at least in part between records of phone conversations between Favre and Darrell Bevell, Minnesota's offensive coordinator. Bevell is a former Green Bay assistant and a friend of Favre's.
Favre unretired and was scheduled to report to the Packers' training camp Monday.
Goodell says Vikings didn't tamper on Favre....
Associated Press
CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said it's "ridiculous" to reward untested rookies with lucrative contracts and wants the issue addressed in contract talks.
"There's something wrong about the system," Goodell said Friday. "The money should go to people who perform."
Goodell referred to Michigan tackle Jake Long's five-year, $57.75 million contract -- with $30 million guaranteed. Long was the first overall draft pick by the Miami Dolphins in April.
"He doesn't have to play a down in the NFL and he already has his money," Goodell said during a question-and-answer period at the end of a weeklong sports symposium at the Chautauqua Institution. "Now, with the economics where they are, the consequences if you don't evaluate that player, you can lose a significant amount of money.
"And that money is not going to players that are performing. It's going to a player that never makes it in the NFL. And I think that's ridiculous."
Goodell on rookie pay: 'There's something wrong'....
By JAIME ARON
IRVING, Texas (AP) — Adam "Pacman" Jones can join the Dallas Cowboys for everything but the regular season — for now.
Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday he would decide by Sept. 1 whether to fully end Jones' suspension, which wiped out the entire 2007 season when he was with the Tennessee Titans. The Cowboys play their opener Sept. 7 in Cleveland.
"Commissioner Goodell told Jones that his continued participation in the NFL depends on demonstrating that he can conduct himself in a lawful and reliable manner," the league wrote in a statement. "Jones will be expected to continue the personal conduct program established for him by the NFL and the Cowboys and to avoid further adverse involvement with law enforcement."
Jones could be in action as soon as Tuesday, the team's next organized practice.
MORE....
ESPN.com news services
Dallas Cowboys cornerback Pacman Jones met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell last week in Atlanta about his possible reinstatement to the league.
The meeting was first reported by The Dallas Morning News.
Jones has not been allowed to visit the Cowboys' Valley Ranch facility or take part in any organized team activities, but he is hopeful the league will allow him to do so this week, according to the report.
But sources said if the NFL doesn't allow Jones to practice with the team, the Cowboys are hoping the league will allow him to undergo counseling at the facility and interact with his new teammates, the newspaper reported.
STORY....
