NFL commissioner Roger Goodell held a press conference today to address the on-going issues of domestic violence and sexual assault in his league. By most accounts, it didn't go well. Goodell was dodgy, repetitive, and vague while discussing the changes he and his team would be implementing in the NFL over the course of the next few months to solve the countless problems facing the league right now. Regarding a timeline for these changes, Goodell could only say that the league's new personal conduct policy would be implemented in time for the Super Bowl.
As a result of Goodell's stonewall approach, we're left with just as many questions and concerns about the NFL as before. To many, it still doesn't appear that Goodell is the right man to run the league. We still don't know exactly how the league will change their policies on domestic abuse. And we still have reason to believe that they were negligent in their investigation on the Ray Rice scandal.
Fans and media aren't the only ones left feeling unsatisfied after Goodell's statement. During and after the press conference, current and former NFL players across Twitter shared their thoughts on what transpired and, trust us, most of them weren't happy with the results. As you'll see, many of these NFL vets wouldn't mind having a new commissioner take the reins from Goodell. And at this point, who could disagree with them?
Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens
What Roger just said is the exact same thing that players say when they make a mistake and plead their case
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) September 19, 2014
Darius Butler, Indianapolis Colts
This press conference is pointless
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) September 19, 2014
Sidney Rice, former player
Boo this man... 👻
— Sidney Rice (@sidneyrice) September 19, 2014
Janoris Jenkins, St. Louis Rams
This press conference 😐
— J.Jenkz (@JjenkzLockdown) September 19, 2014
Chris Kluwe, former player
Question for the @NFL - If it took widespread moral indignation for you to even consider change, why are you keeping the same guy in charge?
— Chris Kluwe (@ChrisWarcraft) September 19, 2014
Ryan Clark, Washington Redskins
Judging by the tweets I am happy I studied film & worked through Roger's presser. Not interested in throwing up today!!!!
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 19, 2014
Troy Aikman, former player
Can only imagine how upset Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints must be watching Commissioner's press conference
— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) September 19, 2014
Antonio Garay, former player
Not sure what has left me more confused the purpose of Goodell's News Conference or the purpose of the #ScreamingMan?
— Antonio Garay (@antoniogaray71) September 19, 2014
Ryan Clark, Washington Redskins
Ryan Grant, former player
Beanie Wells, free agent
Geoff Schwartz, New York Giants
Donte' Stallworth, former player
Robert Mathis, Indianapolis Colts
THAT WAS THE #AWESOMEST THING I EVER SAW!!!!!!!
— ROBERT MATHIS The1st (@RobertMathis98) September 19, 2014
Sorry to get your hopes up, Rog, but he was talking about this:
Derrick Mason, former player
Do you think the commissioner is upset bc he "got it wrong" or bc the tape came out?????????? Let me know what you think ppl
— Derrick Mason (@deemason85) September 19, 2014