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NFL's Goodell targets holdouts

Commissioner hopes for pay changes that would get rookies in training camp

By Patrick McManamonBeacon Journal sportswriter

Published on Friday, Aug 17, 2007

BEREA: Roger Goodell did Brady Quinn a huge favor on draft day in New York.

Now Goodell would like to do something to ensure that players like Quinn do not hold out when negotiating their rookie contracts.

''It's one of the issues we've talked with the union about in negotiations, and I think it'll be clearly one of the issues we talk about when we sit down and talk about making changes that we would make to the system,'' Goodell said Thursday during the NFL commissioner's visit to the Browns' training camp. ''What can be done to either eliminate or certainly limit the possibility of players holding out during training camp, particularly rookies?''

Goodell's day started with a morning flight to Detroit, where he said that the money paid to rookies who have yet to play a down may have a negative effect on a team.

''It's difficult when a rookie comes into a locker room and has (a large) signing bonus,'' he told the Detroit media. ''It's difficult (for) the veterans to provide that kind of leadership that's so important on teams. Money changes that dynamic a little bit.

''We'll talk to Gene (Upshaw). We're not trying to save the dollars; we just think the dollars should go to players who have earned that on the field through their accomplishments and leadership. It's a system we have, and

we'll do the best we can with it right now.''

Goodell has had a busy and productive year since taking over as commissioner on Sept. 1, 2006.

He has toughened the standards players must meet in their off-field behavior.

He has studied concussions and how to better treat players who suffer them.

And he has opened the league more to the media through increased access to players, coaches and him.

Goodell even humanized the draft process when he saw Brady Quinn's first-round free-fall and the attention it drew on TV. Quinn suffered through every pick when he was not taken, and cameras focused on him constantly.

So Goodell invited Quinn to his ''green room'' to give the rookie some privacy.

''The focus on that just wasn't right,'' Goodell said. ''It wasn't why we ask players to come to the draft. I just thought we'd let him sit and see what was going on, with his family, in a private moment.''

Goodell addressed several issues in his meeting with the media, and many of the questions dealt with Michael Vick and the federal dog-fighting charges against the Atlanta Falcons quarterback.

Vick is said to be negotiating a plea agreement and has been told by Goodell not to report to the Falcons until an NFL investigation into the situation is completed.

Goodell called dog fighting ''despicable'' and said that it happened at all was ''incomprehensible.''

But he also said that the gambling elements of Vick's alleged dog-fighting ring have drawn the league's attention. ''It's certainly an issue,'' Goodell said. ''Law enforcement may be concerned about certain things about (Vick's case). We may be concerned about other aspects.''

The league's gambling policy states that severe penalties can result from ''associating with gamblers or gambling activities in a manner tending to bring discredit to the NFL.''

Goodell has made a strong statement in his suspensions. Adam ''PacMan'' Jones has been suspended for one year, and defensive tackle Tank Johnson for eight games. Vick's situation is being followed closely.

''Michael Vick is not performing in the NFL right now, and we are dealing with this aggressively,'' Goodell said. ''And I think the public understands that. I think our fans recognize that in no way do we accept anyone who is involved with dog fighting.''

Goodell spent a lot of time in Cleveland in the three years the Browns were without a team. He was Paul Tagliabue's point man in the building of the new stadium and the revival of the franchise.

He spent 15 or 20 minutes of his day Thursday meeting with the Browns, and he spoke of personal responsibility.

''I think it's obvious that his message is going to be effective,'' receiver Joe Jurevicius said. ''There's kind of no way around it. He's the commissioner of the NFL. He's doing a lot of great things for the NFL.

''He's stated his stance, and it's for us to abide by.'' noweb

Patrick McManamon can be reached at pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com.

BEREA: Roger Goodell did Brady Quinn a huge favor on draft day in New York.

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