Lanschaften » by engaging in speculation,

Phoenix, AZ (SportsNetwork.com) - Roger Goodell found himself often playing defense as he met with reporters two days prior to Super Bowl XLIX, with the ongoing deflate-gate controversy and questions about the Commissioners own job performance dominating the discussion at his annual state of the league address. Goodell acknowledged that the 2014 season, during which hes endured heavy public criticism for his handling of a number of league matters -- most notably the domestic violence case involving former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice -- has been a tough year on me personally. Its been a year of humility and learning, he stated. We obviously as an organization have gone through adversity. We take it seriously, Its an opportunity for us to get better. So weve all done a lot of soul searching, starting with yours truly. Goodell was at one point asked if there were any set of circumstances that would lead him to resign, to which he firmly replied that he had no plans of doing so. Another media member questioned as to whether he deserved a pay cut over the leagues recent travails, with Goodell saying his salary is decided by the 32 owners. Allegations of perceived favoritism towards one of Sundays participants, the New England Patriots, were also prevalent during Fridays 48-minute press conference. One reporter asked the Commissioner if his close relationship with New England owner Robert Kraft could potentially impact the leagues investigation over the Patriots use of improperly deflated footballs in the AFC Championship Game. Goodell attended a party at Krafts residence shortly prior to the teams 45-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts. I admire, respect and think very highly of him on a personal level. Theres no hiding from that point, said Goodell of Kraft. Since he knows me so well and knows that Im not going to do anything to compromise the integrity of the league, I think he has no doubt that I will do the right thing. Goodell also responded to Krafts recent statement that the league owed his team an apology if the current investigation, overseen by prominent attorney Ted Wells, finds that the Patriots did no wrongdoing. This is my job. Its my responsibility to protect integrity of the game, he remarked. I represent 32 teams. If we have any information that rules were violated, I have to pursue that. We will do it vigorously and it is important for (the investigation) to be thorough and fair. Goodell, making his first public comments on the deflate-gate flap, said that the investigation is focusing on two specific questions: Why were some footballs used in the game that were not in compliance with the rules? And was this the result of deliberate action? I want to emphasize we have made no judgments on these points, and we will not compromise the investigation by engaging in speculation, he continued. Goodell also fielded inquiries about the NFLs future plans in London and Los Angeles, as well as ones pertaining to the long-term outlooks of a couple of franchises with present stadium issues -- specifically the St. Louis Rams and San Diego Chargers. London has done not only everything weve expected but more, he said. Were continuing to advance our interests over there by playing more games there. Their passion is obvious. We want to continue to respond to that fan interest. Goodell said there have been no discussions with any particular teams about possible relocation to Los Angeles, with the leagues preference to keep all franchises in their present locales. As for forthcoming changes, the Commissioner announced that the league will be instituting a new position of Chief Medical Officer to oversee all of its health policies. Additionally, Goodell revealed that the competition committee will be looking at ways to change or eliminate the extra point. Goodell said that expanding the playoffs now appears unlikely to happen in 2015. During the NFLs spring owners meetings back in May, he had stated that he believed a proposal to add two more teams to the postseason would be approved. Clayton Richard Jersey .com) - The Los Angeles Kings peppered Ryan Miller with shot after shot. Dave Winfield Jersey . The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement was made. By releasing Bailey, the Broncos would open up cap space with the 12-time Pro Bowl player scheduled to make around $10 million next season. http://www.padresrookiestore.com/Padres-Manuel-Margot-Kids-Jersey/ . The Blueshirts hope to stay alive once again when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins in Sundays Game 6 battle at Madison Square Garden. Tyson Ross Jersey . -- Phil Mickelson came to the St. Carlos Asuaje Jersey .com) - A chant of Zeke reverberated around AT&T Stadium before Ezekiel Elliott powered into the end zone for his fourth and final touchdown.Korey Banks got his wish and has been traded from the BC Lions. The veteran defensive back and five-time CFL All-Star has been sent to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in exchange for non-import receiver Kito Poblah. It seemed only a matter of time before Banks would be out in BC after making it known he has no interest in playing out his option year with the team. Lions GM Wally Buono meanwhile, had stated he didnt intend to renegotiate Banks contract. The 10-year CFLer has played the last eight years in BC. Last year the 34-year-old recorded 46 tackles and two interceptions. For his career Banks has 442 tackles and 37 interceptions. "Were grateful for Koreys contributions to our club and we wish him the best in Winnipeg," Buono said in a teeam statement.dddddddddddd "Korey adds an immediate presence in our locker room, veteran leadership both on and off the field, and we look forward to welcoming him to the Bomber organization," Bombers GM Kyle Walters said in a team statement. "We also wish Kito all the best in Vancouver and thank him for his contributions to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers." In Poblah the Lions get a three-year veteran and former first-round supplemental pick. The Central Michigan product has 53 career catches for 534 yards. Poblah missed all but one game last season. Winnipeg also released quarterback Jason Boltus, defensive back Bo Smith, linebacker Daniel Sheffield, running back Mario Fannin and defensive end Mathieu Boulay. ' ' '