Goodell on Walsh issue
PALM BEACH, Fla., -- The NFL’s annual meeting concluded this morning with commissioner Roger Goodell holding a press conference, where he addressed the latest on the Matt Walsh issue.
Here is some of the Q&A:
If you can’t come to a resolution that leads to Matt Walsh speaking, are you comfortable moving on from it?
“No, I don’t like anybody putting out accusations against the league or any of our clubs, which he certainly implied, if he hadn’t said. I’ve said from the beginning of this incident that if something new or additional that comes to public or to me, that I reserve the right to reopen this issue, and I will. But the reality of it, we haven’t had any, for seven months. If it’s just taping of defensive signals, we know that. The Patriots admitted to that. He seems to imply that he has something different and certainly something that I would be concerned with if it’s true. So I’d like to see the evidence.”
If it gets to the point where nothing is happening, would you be the one to say ‘that’s enough’ and perhaps explore some legal options -- if there are any?
“I believe I would be, yes, and at some point I will run out of patience, because I think it’s unfortunate. I think the last time he was a Patriots employee was back in the early 2000s, so we’re talking about six, seven or eight years since he left the league. I would like to have that information. He’s certainly made it known publicly that he has something. I’d like to see him present that.”
So you’re committed to getting this information?
“I believe it’s important when somebody has made an accusation like this, I think it’s important for us to get to the bottom of it. We’re going to aggressively pursue that as long as I think there is some information there, or I believe I can get to the bottom of it, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
If Matt Walsh has tapes, they are probably not of things that the Patriots asked him to film. Rather, Walsh may have been recording internal conversations and meetings secretly, as Pioli asserts he did with him. Walsh's recordings may capture things he views to be revealing about the Patriots organization. Nonetheless, what he did is illegal, which is why he is now forced to seek "protections." The NFL will not grant any.
Also, there is a rumor that Walsh shared his recordings with other teams around the league in an attempt to gain favor and a job. Who knows.
Goodell should be embarrassed at how he's handled this entire situation. I know he was new to the job but he let the situation get entirely out of control and over-reacted in his punishment of the Patriots. Now other sources say there was never any evidence of a walkthrough video and still others say the Rams never had a walkthrough to tape and the person who supposedly can "reveal all" turns out to be the boy who cried wolf. A sad state.
I think this guy is basically looking for an immunity that says if he comes forward and lies, then the NFL and the Patriots have no leagle recourse in the form of a slander action. If the NFL gives him that they will lose all credibility in my eyes.
The NFL Board of Directors should give Mister Goodell a two word message, :You're Fired."
Mike Allen, I've been reading your posts for a few years and respect most of what you say. I admit your committed to the team and are a great fan, but one thing I've wondered is why do you depise Goodell so much. Put yourself in his place and all the people he's trying to please. He can't favor any team over another even if it seems that way to some fans. Give him a chance I like his disciplinary stances that he's taken. Just remember nobody or no leader is ever gonna be perfect they all have quirks and things about them that annoy people.
If anything, I think Goodell has implied that Mr. Walsh may have screwed himself by going public with such statements. If he doesn't have anything to back it up, he's facing legal issues probably from both the NFL and the Patriots. If he does, but they're from illegal sources, such as secretly taping conversations, he still may screw himself worse than the team. Over all his fifteen minutes of fame seem likely to cost him more they its worth. I actually commend Goodell on his "show me the money" response. Of course I do not know any of the real behind the scenes workings with this, but it seems to me he is hold his position firm and with the letter of the law on this one.
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