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Goodell Defends Decision To Destroy Spygate Tapes

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By IRA KAUFMAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 2, 2008

PHOENIX - Spygate and seedings emerged as the most compelling topics discussed by Commissioner Roger Goodell on Friday in his annual state of the NFL news conference.

Goodell found himself questioned repeatedly about the NFL's decision to destroy six tapes collected during an investigation into New England's violation of league rules in the season opener against the Jets, regarding stealing signals from the sideline. Coach Bill Belichick was fined $500,000, the Patriots were fined $250,000 and New England was ordered to forfeit a first-round draft choice in the episode quickly dubbed Spygate.

"I think there are very good explanations for the reason why I destroyed the tapes," Goodell said. "They were totally consistent with what the team told me. There was no purpose for them. I believe it was helpful in making sure our instructions were followed closely, by not only the Patriots but also by every other team. I think it was the appropriate thing to do."

The destruction of the tapes has prompted Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter to ask Goodell to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

"There is no indication that it benefited the Patriots in any of the Super Bowl victories," Goodell said. "They certified to me, in writing, that they gave me all the information on tapes or notes, and that there was no further information relating to this incident or any other taping of games. Not having those tapes out there prevents a potential leak. Now I know that if something arises, I wasn't told the truth."

Goodell also said there is a growing consensus around the league to find ways to make late-season games more meaningful.

Several clubs, including the Bucs, rested many regulars in late December once they were locked into their playoff position.

"We are going to look into the potential of seeding our teams differently after they qualify for the playoffs, so that you could potentially make more regular-season games have significance for the postseason," Goodell said.

Under the current rules, the four division champions in each conference are granted the top four seeds, followed by the wild-card entries. That's why the 9-7 Bucs were seeded No. 4 after winning the NFC South, while the 10-6 Giants were designated No. 5 after finishing behind Dallas in the NFC East.

Goodell indicated that the league could alter that seeding process and instead rank the playoff participants strictly by the best records within each conference.

Goodell said the league has no intention of expanding beyond 32 teams, but he confirmed the Bills have been given approval to move one regular-season game from Buffalo to Toronto in each of the next five years.

"They have a tremendous amount of interest north and into Canada, and I think this will be great for all fans," he said. "It will give the opportunity for people in Toronto to have a game in their market, and it will also give the Buffalo fans a chance to still go to that game."

While acknowledging that a group of NFL owners are frustrated with the current labor agreement, Goodell stopped short of saying the league will invoke its right to opt out of the CBA in November.

"I don't think it is any secret that a number of our owners are concerned with many aspects of the current labor deal," Goodell said. "I believe we will be able to come to a resolution that is good for the game, good for the players, good for the owners and good for our fans, most of all."

The commissioner was asked about the well-publicized complaints from retired NFL players frustrated with the bureaucracy in place to deal with disabilities in a violent sport where high-speed collisions are unavoidable.

"Our players who have helped build this game deserve to have a system that is responsive, professionally done and independently done," Goodell said.

Reporter Ira Kaufman can be

reached at (813) 259-7833

or ikaufman@tampatrib.com.

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