ATLANTA — Roger Goodell is once again a big sinner in the eyes of Saints fans whose team is not playing in Super Bowl 53 over the Rams. On Wednesday, the NFL commissioner gave those fans little reason to think he should be absolved.
After the NFL's near two-week silence on the controversial non-call that went against New Orleans late in the NFC championship game, Goodell was finally asked for his take at his annual Super Bowl media conference. Goodell did his best to sound sympathetic and forward-thinking. But there was a clear indication the NFL is not about to get aggressive to ensure all obvious judgement penalties such as pass interference are called correctly in the future — and ensure what happened in New Orleans will not happen again.
"We understand the frustration of the fans," Goodell said. “We certainly want to address that. Whenever officiating is part of any part of the discussion post game, it’s never a good outcome for us. We knew that."
What Goodell did not know: This week was a bad time for the league to position itself fully behind the job its current officials are doing, and not make a strong statement about repercussions.
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"Officiating our game requires making snap decisions under difficult circumstances. They are not going to get it right every time, there only human," Goodell said. "Technology is not going to solve the issue. The game is not officiated by robots, never will be.
"I don’t think the game has been officiated at this level before. It’s extraordinary."
Per NFL Rule 17, Section 2, Article 3, Goodell in theory could have invoked a special power to reverse the results of the Saints game because Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman was not flagged as he should have been in the fourth quarter. But Goodell said there was "absolutely" no consideration given to applying such authority simply because of judgment calls or officiating errors, despite the level of complaints.
Although Goodell said there will be a full evaluation process to consider changes, he was quick to shoot down the potential of adding an official to the field and/or improving the technology above it. As for judgment calls being reviewable, he hinted the past resistance of NFL's competition committee would be an obstacle.
"What are the solutions, what are the unintended consequences, how do we keep competitive nature of our game but also improve our officiating? If we determine it’s not in the best interest of the game, that’s how we operate. As long as we do that, that’s where we’ll go."
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In the end, there wasn't much more Goodell could offer than a repeated apology. Just like he did with other controversial issues clouding the NFL and the game, the commissioner left the non-call topic on the low note of being too general.
The Saints and their fans will have to stuff those sorrys into a sack. The NFL's reaction to the non-call is more non-promises.
