|
 Goodell, who has come under sharp criticism for fumbling the
league’s response to a string of domestic violence cases involving
players, was repeatedly questioned about the controversy and
missteps during the nearly one-hour media session ahead of Sunday's
championship game between the New England Patriots and Seattle
Seahawks.
The commissioner, who earns a reported $44 million annually, was
asked if he should take a pay cut or should have been fired or
resigned.
He said he saw no situation where something like that would happen.
"It has been a tough year," admitted Goodell. "It's been a tough
year on me personally. It's been a year of what I would say is
humility and learning.
"We obviously as an organization have gone through adversity but
more importantly, adversity for me.
 "We've all done a lot of soul searching starting with yours truly
and we have taken action."
While Goodell trumpeted a line of new programs and initiatives
designed to help restore the league's integrity, including a newly
imposed personal conduct policy, the tough questions are likely to
continue as the league deals with a deflated football scandal.
The NFL has not finished an investigation into the Patriots' use of
under-inflated footballs in blowout win over Indianapolis Colts that
secured a berth in the Super Bowl.
"We take seriously anything that could potentially impact the
integrity of the game," said Goodell. "We are focusing on two
questions: Why were some footballs used in the game that did not
comply with the rules and was it the result of deliberate actions?
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"We have made no judgment on these points," he said.
"This is my responsibility to protect the integrity of the game. I
represent 32 teams. All of us want to make sure the rules are being
followed."
On the defensive almost the entire session, Goodell defended his
relationship with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, after Seahawks
cornerback Richard Sherman charged the commissioner with a conflict
of interest for showing up at a party at Kraft's home.
"I was at the Krafts' residence along with season-ticket holders,
sponsors and media partners, the night before the AFC championship,"
explained Goodell. "I was there to participate in the program with
our partner. It's something I do on a regular basis. It's not
unusual.
"It's also not unusual that I work closely with owners."
(Editing by Gene Cherry)
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