Goodell and the Labor Situation

The media and most people seem to think otherwise, but Commissioner Roger Goodell, technically, has no role in the labor dispute. It's strictly between the owners and the players. Goodell is neither. Since he is elected and paid by the owners, he tends to sit on the owners side of the table. Not too many people seem to realize that Goodell has no official function in the discussions, since people keep piling blame upon him. When Pete Rozelle was handing the keys to the league over to Paul Tagliabue, he urged the new commissioner to play a greater role in labor negotiations. Tagliabue took the advice to heart and the league experienced it's most sustained labor peace. Rozelle frequently stated that his distant role labor in negotiations was one of his greatest regrets. The commissioner can and should play a role in encouraging negotiations along, but it's a tough task. The players don't trust the commissioner simply because he's the owner's boy. Tagliabue was lucky. He had a way too snazzy relationship with Gene Upshaw. I don't see Goodell and DeMaurice Smith getting as chummy anytime soon. Goodell can get some good things done, but he really is not to blame for any of the current mess.