Latest news with #Goodell
The Herald Scotland
18 hours ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
America in different place since NFL first embraced Juneteenth
The entire nation was still reeling from the murder of George Floyd which happened in May of 2020. His killing triggered massive nationwide protests. There were also conversations. In the streets. In homes. In workplaces. There was introspection. There was pain but also hope. There was the feeling that things could get better. Do you remember that time? Remember how much we talked about unity and care and togetherness? It was all there. That time feels so, so long ago. America looks different now. There are deepening pools of hate and xenophobia. Reversal of everything accomplished in the past five years. We've taken steps backward in ways few imagined, at a speed few knew possible. Go back to 2020. Goodell and the league saw what was happening around the country, and knew the NFL needed to change. So, in early June, Goodell announced that the league would recognize June 19, or Juneteenth, as a company holiday. "This year, as we work together as a family and in our communities to combat the racial injustices that remain deeply rooted into the fabric of our society, the NFL will observe Juneteenth on Friday, June 19th as a recognized holiday and our league offices will be closed," Goodell said in a statement then. "It is a day to reflect on our past, but more importantly, consider how each one of us can continue to show up and band together to work toward a better future." This was no small thing. It was also part of a larger push by a league to change the views from some of its players who felt the NFL was uncaring, and even hostile toward, the protests led by Colin Kaepernick that started in 2016. After Floyd was killed, the league was forced to take a more empathetic stand, and that's where observing the Juneteenth holiday came in. Juneteenth is celebrated as the end of slavery in America. The Emancipation Proclamation was established on Jan. 1, 1863, but it wasn't until two years later on June 19, following the end of the Civil War, that newly freed slaves in Texas were told of Abraham Lincoln's directive. One day after saying it would recognize Juneteenth, the NFL announced an increase in its financial backing of social justice causes to $250 million over 10 years in order to "combat systemic racism and support the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans." "The power of this historical feat in our country's blemished history is felt each year, but there is no question that the magnitude of this event weighs even more heavily today in the current climate," Goodell also said in his statement. "Juneteenth not only marks the end of slavery in the United States, but it also symbolizes freedom - a freedom that was delayed, and brutally resisted; and though decades of progress followed, a freedom for which we must continue to fight." That was then. Look at the nation now. We don't need to get into all of the details but we are in a frightening place. The country that held such promising conversations following the Floyd protests? It's gone. Replaced by ugliness and fear and federal agents expanding raids to strawberry fields. There are governmental efforts to destroy anything that has to do with diversity. We are more militarized. We are more divided. And the NFL hasn't been exempt from the pressures to abandon pluralism and diversity. Four years ago, it loudly proclaimed itself DEI advocates. Now, as USA TODAY'S Jarrett Bell wrote in May, the league has stopped its coaching accelerator program, saying it will come back in some reimagined form next year. In burying the program, it looked like the league was succumbing to outside pressure. The NFL vehemently disputes this. "I realize that people are going to look at this and say, 'These people are backing off,'" Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II, chair of the NFL's diversity committee, told Bell. "That's not going to happen. There's nothing I can really do about that perception, except to say that we're still not satisfied with where we are, and we recognize that we still have work to do." Hopefully Rooney is right. Five years ago, the league embraced Juneteenth. An NFL spokesman told USA TODAY Sports it still is. The league office will be closed on the 19th, the spokesman said. It may seem odd to say that something as simple as a closed NFL office on Juneteenth is some sort of progress. But in this country? Now? Unfortunately, it is. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
USA Today
a day ago
- Politics
- USA Today
The NFL first embraced Juneteenth 5 years ago. America is in different place now: Opinion
The NFL first embraced Juneteenth 5 years ago. America is in different place now: Opinion Show Caption Hide Caption What is Juneteenth, America's newest federal holiday? Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. It became a federal holiday in 2021. Editor's note: This story is a part of a series by USA TODAY Sports called Project: June. We will publish at least one NFL-themed story every day throughout the month because fans know the league truly never sleeps. Five years ago this month, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made an announcement that at the time was seen as the league making a dramatic shift in how it approached the topic of race. The entire nation was still reeling from the murder of George Floyd which happened in May of 2020. His killing triggered massive nationwide protests. There were also conversations. In the streets. In homes. In workplaces. There was introspection. There was pain but also hope. There was the feeling that things could get better. Do you remember that time? Remember how much we talked about unity and care and togetherness? It was all there. That time feels so, so long ago. America looks different now. There are deepening pools of hate and xenophobia. Reversal of everything accomplished in the past five years. We've taken steps backward in ways few imagined, at a speed few knew possible. Go back to 2020. Goodell and the league saw what was happening around the country, and knew the NFL needed to change. So, in early June, Goodell announced that the league would recognize June 19, or Juneteenth, as a company holiday. "This year, as we work together as a family and in our communities to combat the racial injustices that remain deeply rooted into the fabric of our society, the NFL will observe Juneteenth on Friday, June 19th as a recognized holiday and our league offices will be closed," Goodell said in a statement then. "It is a day to reflect on our past, but more importantly, consider how each one of us can continue to show up and band together to work toward a better future." This was no small thing. It was also part of a larger push by a league to change the views from some of its players who felt the NFL was uncaring, and even hostile toward, the protests led by Colin Kaepernick that started in 2016. After Floyd was killed, the league was forced to take a more empathetic stand, and that's where observing the Juneteenth holiday came in. Juneteenth is celebrated as the end of slavery in America. The Emancipation Proclamation was established on Jan. 1, 1863, but it wasn't until two years later on June 19, following the end of the Civil War, that newly freed slaves in Texas were told of Abraham Lincoln's directive. One day after saying it would recognize Juneteenth, the NFL announced an increase in its financial backing of social justice causes to $250 million over 10 years in order to "combat systemic racism and support the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans." "The power of this historical feat in our country's blemished history is felt each year, but there is no question that the magnitude of this event weighs even more heavily today in the current climate," Goodell also said in his statement. "Juneteenth not only marks the end of slavery in the United States, but it also symbolizes freedom − a freedom that was delayed, and brutally resisted; and though decades of progress followed, a freedom for which we must continue to fight." That was then. Look at the nation now. We don't need to get into all of the details but we are in a frightening place. The country that held such promising conversations following the Floyd protests? It's gone. Replaced by ugliness and fear and federal agents expanding raids to strawberry fields. There are governmental efforts to destroy anything that has to do with diversity. We are more militarized. We are more divided. And the NFL hasn't been exempt from the pressures to abandon pluralism and diversity. Four years ago, it loudly proclaimed itself DEI advocates. Now, as USA TODAY'S Jarrett Bell wrote in May, the league has stopped its coaching accelerator program, saying it will come back in some reimagined form next year. In burying the program, it looked like the league was succumbing to outside pressure. The NFL vehemently disputes this. 'I realize that people are going to look at this and say, 'These people are backing off,'" Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II, chair of the NFL's diversity committee, told Bell. 'That's not going to happen. There's nothing I can really do about that perception, except to say that we're still not satisfied with where we are, and we recognize that we still have work to do.' Hopefully Rooney is right. Five years ago, the league embraced Juneteenth. An NFL spokesman told USA TODAY Sports it still is. The league office will be closed on the 19th, the spokesman said. It may seem odd to say that something as simple as a closed NFL office on Juneteenth is some sort of progress. But in this country? Now? Unfortunately, it is. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NFL Won't Replace Exec Brian Rolapp After His Departure for PGA Tour
The NFL will not replace longtime executive Brian Rolapp with one person, according to someone familiar with the league's plan. Rolapp's vast responsibilities will be divided among current NFL executives, per the source, who was granted anonymity because the details are private. Last week, Rolapp was named the first CEO of the PGA Tour. He spent more than 20 years at the NFL and had been its chief media and business officer since 2017. Rolapp spearheaded the league's media strategy, with its current agreements worth more than $120 billion over 11 years. He also oversaw the league's sponsorship business and its investment arm, 32 Equity, which has invested in DraftKings, Fanatics, Genius Sports and NoBull. Advertisement More from 'We have spent some time planning for this change and are confident we will successfully manage the responsibilities while we align our structure to meet our long-term strategic goals,' NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a memo to team presidents announcing Rolapp's departure. The NFL did not respond to a request to comment on its plans to replace Rolapp. Hans Schroeder is one executive who should absorb many of Rolapp's responsibilities on the media side. He joined the NFL in 2001 and was Rolapp's deputy as COO of NFL Media. Keeping the NFL's media partners happy is a critical role; they provide the bulk of the $400 million-plus check each team gets from the league office annually. Advertisement The NFL has an opt-out of its media deals in 2029, and the league recognizes its leverage as the undisputed leader in drawing viewers to live broadcasts. At the last Super Bowl, Goodell told reporters that the NFL's option to exit its current media rights contracts presents an 'incredibly valuable' opportunity for the league. Renie Anderson, who joined the league office in 2006, is another top lieutenant at the NFL who will take on more. She was named chief revenue officer in 2019 and oversees partnerships, sponsorships and consumer products. Anderson also handles media sales across NFL Network, NFL Digital Media and the league's legalized sports betting business. Other top executives who could shoulder greater duties include David Jurenka, who is a senior VO at NFL Media, and Dhruv Prasad, who heads 32 Equity. Rolapp was deemed a potential successor to Goodell, although the commissioner has two more years on his current contract and is likely to sign an extension. Advertisement 'I don't expect they will fill that [Rolapp] role with any one person, not from inside, not from outside,' Marc Ganis, longtime advisor to Goodell and NFL owners, said. 'The talent that is there is going to have more opportunity to spread their wings.' Best of Sign up for Sportico's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
USA Today
30-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Roger Goodell wants to penalize teams like the Browns in next CBA
Roger Goodell wants to penalize teams like the Browns in next CBA NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell discussed the future of the league at a press conference at the ownership meeting and has seemingly targeted teams like the Cleveland Browns. Goodell spoke a lot about the sport and the future of the NFL. He explained how the league wants to grow, and the Browns may be in trouble. Goodell talked about the integrity of the cap system during the system. He flouted possible reforms to the financialization of the cap. Goodell expounded on his ideas when asked about the future of the collective bargaining agreement. 'There are no formal plans on any discussions. We obviously continue to be in close communication with the union on a variety of matters, but no start of negotiations have been set or are under consideration really at this point. We did spend time today talking, at length, about areas of our Collective Bargaining Agreement that we want to focus on. The two areas that we spent time on were really the cap system itself, the integrity of that system, how's it working, where do we need to address that in the context of collective bargaining, when that does happen. That was a very lengthy discussion.' Goodell is targeting teams that skirt around the salary cap through clever bookkeeping. The Browns could be in his sight line. General manager Andrew Berry is well-regarded for his cap creativity. The team employs a variety of strategies, including void years and signing bonuses, to maximize its year-to-year payroll. It's one of the few reasons why the Browns have had a modicum of success after the disastrous Deshaun Watson trade. If the league changes its financial rules, the Browns will have to NFL owners are planning to ask a lot from the players' union. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires in 2030. The deal was negotiated by former Browns' center and then-NFLPA President JC Tretter. The agreement must have been beneficial for the players, as franchise owners are already complaining that players are getting too much money. The league has been howling for an 18th game since the ink dried on the deal. They also want to expand the international games from 10 to 16 games per year. The players have a lot to think about. Players may want to consider revising the agreement to put guaranteed money into an escrow account. The rule originated in the 1970s, when there was greater financial instability surrounding professional football. However, the league has turned into the king of TV. Teams make more money than ever. Owners have used the escrow clause as an excuse for not being comfortable giving out fully guaranteed contracts. The NFLPA will have ample time to outline its demands and develop a plan of action. Five years away from negotiations, NFL owners are already saying players are paid too much and not working enough. The next collective bargaining negotiation in 2030 is shaping up to be a hostile one. The Browns could end up on the short end of the stick if negotiations end poorly for the players.
NBC Sports
30-05-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Succession plan hovers over Roger Goodell's contract situation
When making more than $60 million per year, it's hard for anyone to have a bad week. Still, last week was not ideal for Commissioner Roger Goodell. Beyond having two of his pet projects fail to muster sufficient owner support (tush push ban and playoff seeding changes), Goodell's latest contract extension wasn't finalized. There was at least one report that it would be. However, no vote was taken on Goodell's contract. In a conversation with John Ourand of Puck, Seth Wickersham said that an extension will happen — but that owners want Goodell to focus on a succession plan. 'Owners would like to have a better sense of the bench,' Wickersham told Ourand. The problem is that there isn't much of a bench. And, frankly, there's been a trend in recent years that, once an in-house name emerges as a potentially viable candidate to become the next commissioner, the person ends up not sticking around much longer. From Dean Blandino to Chris Halpin to Tod Leiweke to Maryann Turcke, they came, they saw, and they were gone long before they could conquer. At this point, there's a generally-accepted belief in league circles that the folks who end up being long-term high-level executives at 345 Park Avenue are not regarded by the captain as viable candidates to take the helm. Of course there's a Game of Thrones/Succession-style drama at play here. There's too much money and power riding on the job. For Goodell, who has privately said there's no way he'll still be working when he's 80, he's only 14 years away from blowing out a full four score of candles. He has perfected the craft. He knows the personalities. He (usually) gets what he wants. Where else would he make the kind of money he makes and (perhaps as importantly) wield the kind of power he wields? His only career objective was to become Commissioner of the NFL. He achieved the goal 19 years ago. For the dog who chased the car, caught it, and is now surfing on the hood, why stop? Still, the owners need to be ready for life after Goodell. The longer they aren't, the more they need Goodell to not go.
