After Roger Goodell intimated Wednesday that he actually needs an invitation to attend a Patriots game in Foxborough, Mass., the NFL commissioner created the impression this state-of-the-league news conference would be no more believable than past productions.
When Goodell tried selling the audience on the merits of those lousy Thursday night games, which only put money in the NFL’s bank and put players at-risk, he confirmed it.
The columnists’ commissioner had done it again, providing fodder for the country’s gathered sports scribes in what has become a Super Bowl tradition, perhaps a reason the league moved the event up two days to limit media exposure.
Well, so much for that strategy. Thank you, Mr. Commissioner.
Goodell’s sympathy for San Diego losing the Chargers neglected the league’s part in accelerating the timing of the move. His denials of knowing about the NFL editing mentions of politics or President Donald Trump out of media night transcripts fell as flat as his assertion that Tom Brady playing here after Deflategate didn’t make him feel awkward. He sounded defensive, at times, and in denial on all things Patriots. Surprisingly, Goodell was spared any questions about concussions in the 45-minute session.
At least the commish didn’t compare the risks of playing football with sitting on a couch, like he did last year. Goodell has become so good at saying implausible things with a straight face that you wonder if he rehearses in front of a mirror. But in the middle of all Wednesday’s mumbo jumbo, he actually gave people something worthwhile to tweet about beyond who’s playing in Mexico or what’s next for instant replay.
Roger Goodell: Dealing with Patriots ‘not awkward at all’ Brad Biggs
Hit with Deflategate questions from a number of angles, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said “we’re moving on from that” and indicated he would return to Foxborough, Mass., for a Patriots game — when he’s invited.
In a 45-minute media session Wednesday afternoon at the George R. Brown Convention…
Hit with Deflategate questions from a number of angles, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said “we’re moving on from that” and indicated he would return to Foxborough, Mass., for a Patriots game — when he’s invited.
In a 45-minute media session Wednesday afternoon at the George R. Brown Convention…
(Brad Biggs)
A Hispanic reporter asked Goodell about the NFL building its global brand instead of "other things,” an obvious reference to the wall Trump wants built on the Mexican border. The question drew a snicker, and then a rare burst of sincerity.
"One of the things that we truly believe in our hearts is that the NFL really does bond communities together and it can be a bridge in that way,” Goodell said. "It unites people. We are going to see that this weekend, millions of people are going to tune in and they are going to … forget about other things for at least a short period of time.”
Later, opting not to use his international platform to express his views on a tumultuous week in Washington — a missed opportunity for someone of Goodell’s ilk — the son of a former United States senator settled for underscoring the Super Bowl LI stakes that have nothing to do with the score.
"We have a unique position to have an event on Sunday that will bring the world together,” Goodell said.
Budweiser focuses on immigration in Super Bowl commercial Tribune news services
Each year Super Bowl ads offer a snapshot of what’s going on in the culture.
But this year’s Budweiser ad released Tuesday featuring an immigrant’s travel to the U.S. became suddenly more topical than Anheuser-Busch executives were probably expecting, released days after President Donald Trump’s…
Each year Super Bowl ads offer a snapshot of what’s going on in the culture.
But this year’s Budweiser ad released Tuesday featuring an immigrant’s travel to the U.S. became suddenly more topical than Anheuser-Busch executives were probably expecting, released days after President Donald Trump’s…
(Tribune news services)
Finally, a fact on which there is little alternative but to agree. For one day, Sunday, yes, football can trump politics as the discussion in the living room centers on a different type of power. No football game or league actually can bring the world together as Goodell suggested but the Super Bowl offers a country in need of distraction something to enjoy for a few hours, or days. America could use a brief diversion from breaking news reports on airport detainees being denied civil liberties and cities bracing for disruptive protests.
So embrace the Super Bowl hype and all its outrageousness in a week when the escape of sports seldom has seemed more welcome or necessary. Bring on the Lady Gaga news conference describing her halftime show. Let Sunday’s national anthem singer, country star Luke Bryan, croon till the ladies swoon. Any sightings at The Galleria of Bruno Mars or Taylor Swift? And where is Mrs. Brady, Gisele Bundchen? I did run into Jerry the Gate Crasher in the hotel lobby as he sheepishly followed a group of Pro Football Hall of Famers.
If you plan on the players or coaches holding your attention, so far you would be disappointed. As Super Bowl weeks go, this has been tame, which only the coaches love.
Bears could make a play for ex-Eastern Illinois QB Jimmy Garoppolo Brad Biggs
A joint training camp practice ended on fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium and the Patriots’ Jimmy Garoppolo was making his way along the rope fence signing autographs and posing for selfies.
He spent a solid 15 minutes visiting with fans while Ryan Pace, a fellow Eastern Illinois football product,…
A joint training camp practice ended on fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium and the Patriots’ Jimmy Garoppolo was making his way along the rope fence signing autographs and posing for selfies.
He spent a solid 15 minutes visiting with fans while Ryan Pace, a fellow Eastern Illinois football product,…
(Brad Biggs)
Big news? Hardly. Eyebrows raised slightly when Falcons running back Devonta Freeman demanded a new contract. Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett expressed doubt he would attend the White House if the Patriots won because of Trump’s policies. Falcons wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, a practicing Muslim, showed restraint answering questions about Trump’s executive order barring entry to the U.S. by people from seven countries. Brady, a past Trump supporter eschewing political talk, fought back tears when asked about his father’s defense of him during Deflategate.
Beyond that, the biggest stir came media night when Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan lost track of his backpack, which supposedly contained his team’s game plan, for 30 minutes. Legendary San Francisco columnist Art Spander accidentally made off with it, an honest mistake everybody could chuckle about later. Though you wonder how funny 49ers officials found the absent-minded episode considering they will introduce the 37-year-old Shanahan next week as their new head coach. Nobody suspected Spander, covering his 40th Super Bowl, of being a Patriots operative because everybody knows Bill Belichick prefers his football spies younger.
Just kidding, Pats fans. Smile, it’s Super Bowl week — and we all could use a laugh.
dhaugh@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @DavidHaugh
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