TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Goodell Wants A Longer Season

ADVERTISEMENT

The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 26, 2009

DANA POINT, Calif. - More games that count, perhaps as early as August 2011? That's exactly what NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants.

There are several hurdles before the league can expand its regular season from 16 to 17 or 18 games, including reaching a new collective bargaining agreement with the players union. Still, the commissioner hopes to present a proposal to the owners in May.

"It's possible that we could vote in May, but we want to have core discussions on this," Goodell said Wednesday. "Anytime you have change, there is some reluctance. But it's clear we don't need four preseason games anymore."

Goodell said the league has not seriously discussed the subject with its broadcast partners. He couldn't imagine them not being interested in more meaningful games.

"I think the quality of NFL programming, that every one of our network partners would say, if they have the chance to have more regular-season programming, they'd be interested in it," Goodell said. "A key point is the fans also recognize players they want to see are not in those preseason games; that's why they are not attractive. They want to see those players play."

BEARS: Offensive tackle Kevin Shaffer agreed to terms on a three-year contract. Shaffer started 47 games for the Cleveland Browns the past three seasons, 31 at right tackle and 16 at left.

MORE VICK TROUBLE: The U.S. Department of Labor filed complaints accusing suspended NFL star Michael Vick of illegally spending about $1.3 million in pension plan funds for his own benefit, including paying restitution ordered in his dogfighting conspiracy case.

The department filed the complaints in federal district and bankruptcy courts the same day Vick left a federal lockup in Kansas, apparently bound for Virginia for a bankruptcy hearing next week.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT