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Do we have enough examples of bad press conferences yet? As bad as Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall’s was this week, it was no match for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s on Friday in New York. The good news is Goodell actually appeared in public for the first time more than a week. The bad news is Goodell actually appeared in public for the first time in more than a week and had little to offer — other than he admitted to mistakes in handling Ray Rice’s domestic abuse case and declared he would do better next time. As if he’s entitled to a next time?
Ashley Kaltwasser is the first two-time Bikini Olympia champion. Congratulations!
* Substance of Goodell press conference vs. substance of Marshall’s press conference. Compare and contrast. Assuming there’s substance. And that would be a helluva assumption.
* “It’s my mistake.” — Roger Goodell. That’s why he should keep his job? Haven’t seen such nimble footwork at the NFL level since Fran Tarkenton was playing. Tarkenton surely scrambled better.
* Goodell believes he has support of the owners. Because domestic violence and child abuse take a back seat to making money. Right? Speaks volumes.
* Goodell: “We’re going to clean up our house.” That would be the same house that was allowed to become dirty and dirtier under whose leadership?
* Goodell doesn’t believe the NFL was close to losing a sponsor. So companies’ statements were merely for public-relations purposes? Well, there’s a comforting thought.
Too much of a good thing? Never. More Ashley Kaltwasser.
* “Thanks for doing this” and “How are you?” are remarks no media member should have been saying to Goodell at the press conference. But they did. Good grief!
* NFL didn’t know you don’t have victim and of domestic violence and perpetrator in the same room for questioning (which is what the league did in the Rice case)? Common sense should tell you that. Not that common sense seems to be in great supply in the league office.
* NFL owners need to tell Goodell to come into their office. And bring his playbook. Don’t your breath waiting for that to happen.
* Upon further review (as they like to say in the NFL), I watched a replay of Goodell’s press conference and came away thinking — as I initially had after the live version — the problem of child abuse was given minimal mention. Also thinking what a terrible press-conference performance he provided. Of all the committees he announced would be formed, one that he didn’t was the cover-your-ass committee. Probably because that one has existed for quite some time.
* Speaking of covered posteriors (or uncovered for the most part, as the case may be), congratulations to Ashley Kaltwasser for becoming the first two-time bikini Olympia champion. She won for the second year in a row at the annual event Friday in Las Vegas. Janet Layug was second, Stacy Alexander third, Yeshaira Robles fourth, Amanada Latona fifth and India Paulino sixth. In the fitness competition, Oksana Grishina captured the title. And, yes, this justifies any and all videos and photos of Olympia participants (as if justification is necessary around here).
* Speaking of winning, the White Sox prevailed 4-3 at Tampa Bay. The victory eliminated the Rays from postseason contention — which is about as close to the playoffs as the Sox will come this year.
* Speaking of the postseason, that’s where the Los Angeles Dodgers, who defeated the Cubs 14-5 at Wrigley Field, are headed. Edwin Jackson lasted all of 2/3 of an inning in allowing five runs. Other than the outcome for Cubs fans, it was a beautiful day for baseball.
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