• The NFL Commissioner spoke for 45 minutes to a packed house of media members on a wide variety of league-related subjects. Several media members focused on the recent inquiry by Arlen Specter into the Patriots Cheating situation. He began his news conference by stating that he would, "...like to thank the attending media, the two teams, and the community in Scottsdale/Glendale Arizona for their hospitality this week.."

SUBJECTS COVERED:

• On the US Senator Arlen Specter inquiry:
  • "I don't think the "spy gate" incident taints the Patriots accomplishment this year... what they did this season was done within the rules in my view...I am more than willing to meet with the senator and the reasons why I destroyed the tapes and there was no purpose for them...I think it was the appropriate thing to do." Follow up question: "what we found, was totally consistent with what the team told us... it's not 'exciting' stuff, and we felt it was handled appropriately...we sent a message about the penalties for this...I think it had a limited affect."
• On the Pacman Jones Incident:
  • "...I don't think I've dealt with harder than anyone else...it's on Adam to make changes in his conduct...I did speak with the woman who is married to the man injured during that incident in Las Vegas...she indicated that the NFL was not responsible and we offered any assistance with regards to charitable assistance...but then a lawsuit came from that, and so I need to refer those questions to our legal team."
• On re-seeding all 12 teams in the playoffs, and the potential for combining the conferences for playoff seeding:
  • "...I think our focus would be to look at the seeding process within the conferences...the short-term focus will be on potentially looking at rewarding teams with better records, regardless of division champion or wild card status...but certainly as we take a long-term view of things, the possibility of combining both conferences in one 12-team field is something we will evaluate..."
• On another game in Mexico City:
  • "Our experience was great in 2005 down there... we think there is also tremendous fan interest in Mexico... we would love to be back in Mexico for the 2009 season."
• On relocation/expansion into Canada:
  • "...we know there is tremendous fan interest in our game in Canada, and we're not actively looking at expansion right now... not just Canadian expansion, but expansion as a league is off the table right now."
• On the G-3 Stadium Financing Plan:
  • "...program is not in effect and its important to continue to have the league assist in providing funding to keep the facilities being built and maintained..."
• On personal conduct by the players:
  • "I think the league is making progress as a whole...I don't think it's going to solve all of our problems...we saw a 20% reduction in incidents and a significant reduction among rookies...none of this would have been successful with out the help and leadership of the NFLPA...we're constantly evaluating our policy...and we are addressing the 'targeting of players' such as the Sean Taylor case, which was the 'lowlight' of the season for me...our security department is working with further educating the players about dealing with this issue." Follow-up was asked about education and changing the perception: "...our players are doing wonderful things both on and off the field...I'm extremely proud of what they do in the community...NFL Charities just gave $1 million to 85 players for various foundations and charitable works...the players support the need to further educate the few players that aren't in line to step in line and improve the image of our league..."
• On the history of the game and the need for today's players to embrace the history of the game:
  • "I think its a great idea suggested by both Michael Irvin and Gale Sayers... Michael suggested to me last summer... to have the rookie meetings at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton to promote the players further embracing the history of our game...we're looking at alternatives...I think it's a great idea..."
• On Media Day and its 'circus atmosphere':
  • "...we have so much more interest in the game and the celebrity aspect of it...we have to find a good balance for the media..."
• On retired players and qualifying for disability funds:
  • "We have made changes to remove some of the red tape and simplify the process...we're working with the NFLPA on this...any delay is unfortunate and the players that helped build this game deserve access to this."
• On the growing concerns over retired players and brain injuries:
  • "...we've been very clear about concussions as a medical issue and take a conservative approach...trying to benefit the players safety...we've had a committee dealing with this issue...I think we will continue to focus on this more about the long-term affects of concussions."
• On NFL Network negotiations with cable companies:
  • "...no new negotiations with Comcast or the others in the dispute are scheduled...we want to give our fans more football and we think the network deserves to be accessible to our fans on a broader basis..."
• On teams that have clinched playoff births resting players down the stretch of the season:
  • "...the incentive should be for teams to win as many games as possible...looking into the possibility of re-seeding teams in the future...competition committee needs to look at it...still the Giants and Patriots showed the spirit of competition."
• On international play:
  • "...we had an overwhelming response from many of the teams to want to play overseas... we don't want to impact negatively on a team, and that's why we want it to continue to be a "volunteer" basis..."
• On HGH testing:
  • "...we're working with scientists and the USOC and others to facilitate a proper testing process for this...I don't think there's a large number of players using HGH, and I don't have any data to suggest otherwise... we will continue to be the "Gold Standard" of drug testing in sports..."
• On the collective bargaining agreement and a potential labor situation:
  • "...a number of owners are concerned with the current labor deal and we will do that directly with the union and be able to come to a resolution for the continued viability of the game... our business and the costs have drastically changed, with stadium operations, capital improvements, and they need to be recognized in this labor agreement...and that's part of the give-and-take of the negotiation process..."
• On parity in the league in a year with an undefeated team:
  • "...the margin of victory is small, and I think the margin of competition is very small and every team goes year-by-year with a chance to win."
• On the announcement of Buffalo Bills home games in Toronto:
  • "...we've agreed for Toronto to host 1 regular season in each of the next 5 years, and I think this well help further enhance the regionalism of the team and market themselves...there is a tremendous interest for the Bills in Canada...as far as the CFL, we have a very strong relationship with them...they are comfortable with the arrangements we are making and we want to build that relationship further."
• On the potential for an NFL franchise in Los Angeles in the near future:
  • "...we think LA is a great place to have an NFL franchise and trying to find a right to find a way to make it work best for where we can succeed and the community can succeed... we know we have great fans in the Southern California market...we have to find the right solution there..."
• On the regular game scheduled for London in 2008:
  • "We were very pleased by the reception we received in the UK this year for the Giants and Dolphins game, and we're coming back.. the New Orleans Saints will play the San Diego Chargers on October 26, 2008 at Wembley Stadium...this is a great opportunity to promote our sport on an international spotlight"
• On illegal contact penalty:
  • "I don't think there's any change about lessening the severity of the penalty but rather more consistency of the officiating of the game."

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