Goodell tackles player conduct

PHOENIX -- There are words, and there are actions. Roger Goodell highlighted the difference between the two as he wrapped up the four-day NFL annual meeting yesterday.

Speaking on the issue that has jumped to the forefront of his early tenure as NFL commissioner -- the personal conduct of players -- Goodell said the integrity of the league is at stake if things don't change. They were strong words, yet Goodell also seems to understand they will mean little if not backed by decisive action.

Consider his response to a question on how a strengthened player conduct policy might affect rookies coming into the league: "I'm not sure it's the policy that will impact them, I think your actions will always speak louder."

In other words, players need to see that there will be repercussions for the actions that taint the league. And Goodell apparently plans on being a man of his word in this regard.

Tuesday he can take an important step toward making a statement louder than anything that was discussed over the last four days. That is when he meets with Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, who has become the poster boy for the NFL's percolating off-field problems.

While Goodell insists he is not trying to send a signal or make an example of any player, the Jones situation will be closely watched by those around the league curious to see what type of iron fist he will rule with when it comes to personal conduct.

The punishment could be significant for a player who has spoken with police regarding 10 incidents over the last two years. Goodell will also meet with troubled Bengals receiver Chris Henry.

"I look at this as a step in the process to make sure we're making the right decision for the player, for the NFL, and for the team," Goodell said of his individual meetings with the players. "It's part of hearings I've had with a number of players and coaches that are potentially facing discipline action. It's to get their perspective, their understanding, so I can look them in the eye and they can hear how important this is to the league and help me make a better decision."

Some expected Goodell to outline parts of a strengthened personal conduct policy, but those plans were put on hold. In the interim, the commissioner took the last four days to gather information.

"It reaffirmed a number of things. There was a great deal of learning," he said. "There were some good ideas from the clubs, some of the things the clubs have done, some of the things they'd like to see get done. I thought it was a very productive discussion and will clearly go into my thinking."

So, too, will input from players union executive director Gene Upshaw. He has led the charge for a strengthened policy as much as anyone.

"The thing he wants to ensure is that there is consistency, that the policies and discipline are applied in a consistent fashion across all 32 teams," Goodell said.

Goodell hopes to have the new policy in place before the draft April 28-29, but noted that any plan will continue to be tweaked over time.

"I don't think this is a one-time [thing] and you put it away and you've solved your issues," he said. "I think this is an ongoing issue that we're going to have to continue to evaluate and make changes to our policy over the next several years."

As for his upcoming meeting with Jones, Goodell believes he will come to a ruling within 10 days after the session.

"How we deal with these cases, how we deal with these players who violate the policy, that will speak volumes," Goodell said.

Sensing it didn't have enough support to pass, the league tabled its proposal to move the opening kickoff of overtime from the 30- to the 35-yard line . . . The Bears' proposal to increase game-day rosters from 45 to 47 was defeated by a 17-15 vote . . . Players will now be penalized 5 yards for spiking the ball in the field of play, with owners voting, 26-5, in favor. There was one abstention . . . Down-by-contact plays were voted to become a permanent part of instant replay, while the time allowed for reviews was reduced from 90 seconds to 60 . . . Saints general manager Mickey Loomis won the Executive of the Year award, which is voted on by the teams . . . Owners will allow the Giants and Jets to exceed the NFL's limits for debt to pay for a new stadium.

Mike Reiss can be reached at mreiss@globe.com.