Roger Goodell

Commissioner Roger Goodell says he still doesn't have enough information to make a decision on possibly disciplining Vince Young . Goodell said Thursday that "right now we're gathering facts" after the Titans quarterback received a misdemeanor assault citation after a fight early Sunday at a Dallas strip club. Goodell, answering questions after speaking to high school players at an NFL clinic in Queens, N.Y., also said the league no longer needs four preseason games and that it should change its offseason training programs.

Throughout Super Bowl week, players have been asked to comment on the NFL's disciplinary system and the attempt by the commissioner's office to reduce the violent hits that most often lead to injuries. Most of them have been critical of the league's inability to separate intentional flagrant hits and those that happen inadvertently ... or even because of the actions of the offensive player. “This is something we have seen, an escalation in the discipline, because we are trying to take these techniques out of the game," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at a news conference Friday night.

If Ravens center Matt Birk has decided to retire, he hasn't announced it yet. Birk has, however, decided to go zip-lining with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Birk, a candidate for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, is in Indianapolis for the Super Bowl and hanging out with The Commish. This photo is courtesy of the NFL. Birk, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and Bears cornerback Charles Tillman are among the finalists for the award that recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell opened up his annual Super Bowl news conference with a tribute to former Ravens owner Art Modell and NFL Films creative force Steve Sabol, both of whom passed away since last year's Super Bowl. “There are two important people who are not here, but very much on our minds," Goodell said. "Art Modell, the legendary former owner of the Ravens, who passed away in September. Art's spirit is certainly here this week, and his name will be on the Ravens jersey on Sunday, as it has all season.

Throughout Super Bowl week, players have been asked to comment on the NFL's disciplinary system and the attempt by the commissioner's office to reduce the violent hits that most often lead to injuries. Most of them have been critical of the league's inability to separate intentional flagrant hits and those that happen inadvertently ... or even because of the actions of the offensive player. “This is something we have seen, an escalation in the discipline, because we are trying to take these techniques out of the game," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at a news conference Friday night.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell tiptoed carefully around the issue, but in comments to the fans and media before Sunday's playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium, he fell well short of endorsing the likelihood that Baltimore might someday host the Super Bowl. The question arose because the owners have scheduled the 2014 game at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands, which -- at least temporarily -- has shown they are willing to play football's biggest game in an outdoor stadium in less-than-optimal weather conditions.

More than any defining play that Ray Lewis made or accolade that he earned, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will most remember the leadership that the long-time Ravens middle linebacker brought to both his team and the league. In a phone interview with The Baltimore Sun on Thursday, Goodell said he was saddened but not surprised about Lewis' announcement Wednesday that this season, the linebacker's 17th, will be his last in the NFL. Goodell expressed confidence that Lewis will remain involved with the league long after he retires.

He has earned a break Ethan J. Skolnick Sun Sentinel The arbitrary nature of Roger Goodell's discipline should make all sports fans uncomfortable. There seems to be little rhyme, reason or consistency to his punishment. It's all fairly random. But if he chooses to impose an indefinite suspension — with wiggle room between the high and low limits of the athlete's absence — then he must reward the athlete for living up to whatever conditions he set. And so far, Ben Roethlisberger hasn't done anything since the suspension that would warrant keeping him out the maximum six weeks.

Goodell made best better David Teel Daily Press Is this a trick question? Like who's buried in Grant's tomb? Sports' highest-paid commissioner should be the leader of the most successful league, the venture that draws the largest audience and rakes in the most cash. Bless their hearts, that is not Gary Bettman, Bud Selig or David Stern. Yes, the NFL's Roger Goodell inherited a gold mine from Paul Tagliabue and Pete Rozelle. And no, his six years in charge have not been seamless.

The cost of playing football may be high indeed: as much as $200 million, according to one published estimate.An unidentified NFL official was quoted as telling the Florida Times-Union that the league's two proposed expansion franchises will carry fees of $175 million to $200 million.This is within the upper range of past estimates, but one league official denied that any decision had been made. The fees can be established only by the team owners, and they are scheduled to meet on May 25-26 to vote on the issue.

More than any defining play that Ray Lewis made or accolade that he earned, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will most remember the leadership that the long-time Ravens middle linebacker brought to both his team and the league. In a phone interview with The Baltimore Sun on Thursday, Goodell said he was saddened but not surprised about Lewis' announcement Wednesday that this season, the linebacker's 17th, will be his last in the NFL. Goodell expressed confidence that Lewis will remain involved with the league long after he retires.

Goodell wins, loses Sam Farmer Los Angeles Times Roger Goodell was both the biggest loser and winner in Paul Tagliabue's bounty scandal ruling. Goodell's credibility has taken a huge hit over the course of this ordeal, and having his predecessor correct him in such a public forum has to be a blow to the ego. But Tagliabue did Goodell a huge favor too. By affirming the factual findings of the investigation, essentially siding with Goodell at every turn, Tagliabue did nothing to strengthen the legal arguments of the (formerly)

A Baltimore-based therapist who was disturbed by the response to the murder-suicide committed by a Kansas City Chiefs player has taken her cause national. Gretchen Tome, who works at House of Ruth, posted a petition on Change.org demanding NFL commissioner Roger Goodell mandate players convicted of domestic-violence related charges receive counseling. As of 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, more than 6,700 people had electronically "signed" the petition. Each time someone endorses the petition, an email is sent to Goodell and three members of his staff.

A sampling from around the world of sports about the Green Bay Packers-Seattle Seahawks finish Monday night: Joe Posnanski, Sports on Earth: Well, it's clear now: The Gods hate the replacement refs. That probably was obvious enough before Monday night's catastrophe, before the Green Bay-Seattle finish that turned the NFL into a laughingstock once and for all. The Greek Gods had already sent down Herculean labors for the replacement referees -- fumbles that did not look like fumbles, pass interference temptations, screaming players and coaches -- and these replacement referees essentially failed every test.

Say this much for Roger Goodell: when he sends a message, he sends a message. In fact, the last guy to send a message like this was probably Vito Corleone. The NFL commissioner didn't fool around when disciplining the New Orleans Saints for their infamous "bounty" program. He whacked them good. Saints coach Sean Payton? Suspended without pay for the 2012 season. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis? Suspended without pay for the first eight regular-season games. And you know you're getting the book thrown at you when an assistant coach (Joe Vitt)

Goodell made best better David Teel Daily Press Is this a trick question? Like who's buried in Grant's tomb? Sports' highest-paid commissioner should be the leader of the most successful league, the venture that draws the largest audience and rakes in the most cash. Bless their hearts, that is not Gary Bettman, Bud Selig or David Stern. Yes, the NFL's Roger Goodell inherited a gold mine from Paul Tagliabue and Pete Rozelle. And no, his six years in charge have not been seamless.

Rocky start Although he hasn't had a consistent quarterback in San Francisco, TE Vernon Davis has apparently developed a me-first reputation with the 49ers. It's obvious Mike Singletary was just waiting to jump on Davis about that once Singletary took over for Mike Nolan. Sending him to the showers seemed a little silly, though. Dressing down While he's at it, Singletary might want to reconsider his halftime behavior. Dropping his pants might spur on some college kids, but it won't motivate anyone in the NFL. He has to find a better way to get his message across than a peep show.

A person familiar with the team's thinking says the Eagles are strongly considering releasing quarterback Michael Vick . The person says the team might cut Vick no matter what police conclude during their investigation of a shooting that followed his birthday celebration in Virginia Beach, Va., last week. The person spoke to The Associated Press early Saturday on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. The Eagles issued a statement on Saturday saying "any report or speculation that suggests the Eagles are considering releasing Vick are not true.

If Ravens center Matt Birk has decided to retire, he hasn't announced it yet. Birk has, however, decided to go zip-lining with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Birk, a candidate for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, is in Indianapolis for the Super Bowl and hanging out with The Commish. This photo is courtesy of the NFL. Birk, Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and Bears cornerback Charles Tillman are among the finalists for the award that recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence.

First with the museum, now with the hotel rooms. What is the deal with NFL commissioners and their dismissive 'tude toward Baltimore? Remember the former commish, Paul Tagliabue, denying Baltimore a football team in 1993, and suggesting that the city build a museum instead? (Yes, that sound you hear is the Cone sisters and William and Henry Walters banging their heads against a celestial wall.) Now his successor, Roger Goodell, has put us in our place as well, albeit more diplomatically.