the sports section

NFL Players React to Roger Goodell’s ‘Pointless’ Domestic Violence Press Conference

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 19: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell talks during a press conference at the Hilton Hotel on September 19, 2014 in New York City.Goodell spoke about the NFL's failure to address domestic violence, sexual assault and drug abuse in the league. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

After weeks of terrible press over the sloppy handling of the Ray Rice case, among others, National Football League Commissioner Roger Gooddell decided he should probably make a public statement. “I am not satisfied with the way we handled it,” he said late Friday afternoon of the Rice ordeal. “I made a mistake. I am not satisfied with the process we went through. I am not satisfied with the conclusion.” But he’s not resigning — hasn’t even considered it, he said.

I understand when people are critical of my performance,” Goodell said, “but we have work to do.”

Among those most critical of his leadership are NFL players past and present who provided live, stinging commentary on Twitter as Goodell announced initiatives to combat domestic violence but said little new or of substance. ESPN ran the reactions live, and most were not messages of support for his policies:

NFL Players React to Goodell’s Press Conference