2016 State of the Game Address: Roger Goodell Thinks We Are Stupid

Roger Goodell emerged from hiding today to present his annual State of the Game address. Summed up in three words, "it's all good."

Goodell's answers were expansive and informative... at least to the scripted questions on relocation of teams, expansion of the league, games in London and Mexico City, diversity, cheerleader compensation, women in executive positions in the NFL, why exercise is important for kids and if girls are good enough, can they play professional football.  All burning questions we needed answers to yesterday.  Oh, and player safety.  Nothing more important than player safety.

The only time the Great and Powerful commissioner saw even a hint of a shadow in this "Everything is Awesome" league review was when Tom E. Curran was given a microphone. Not to worry, though, ol' Roger the Dodger was able to swiftly and deftly avoid directly answering Curran's simple question, and made sure his microphone was taken from him to avoid any follow up.

Here are some reactions from the local media, and I strongly suggest reading Michael Hurley's timeline for a bit of comic relief:

Roger Goodell takes me for stupid.

— Sally Jenkins (@sallyjenx) February 5, 2016

ROGER, LONDON SOLD OUT ITS NFL GAMES, HOW GREAT IS THAT? CAN YOU TALK ABOUT HOW AWESOME THAT IS? THANK YOU SO MUCH.

— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) February 5, 2016

Roger, everybody in Mexico loves you and loves the NFL. What can you say about that?

— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) February 5, 2016

If I had the mic for a follow, I would have circled back to what, specifically, is a violation. Because that's crux of this issue.

— Tom E. Curran (@tomecurran) February 5, 2016

"There's risk of sitting on the couch."
--Roger Goodell

— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) February 5, 2016

Goodell "We did a great deal of research, scientific analysis last year.. there was Ted Wells report..."

Goodness.

— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) February 5, 2016

Roger Goodell, on whether he would reinstate Tom Brady's 4-game suspension if the NFL wins Brady v. NFL appeal: "We'll deal with it then."

— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) February 5, 2016

This question ain't gonna be asked. Or answered. pic.twitter.com/uNzDCJFNjz

— Stephanie Stradley (@StephStradley) February 5, 2016

Here are some quick links to a few articles written in the aftermath:

• Phil Perry gives us Roger Goodell's answer on PSI: "We don't disclose specifics".
• Michael Hurley writes on how Roger Goodell evades specifics when asked about PSI violations and Tom Brady's suspension.
• Christopher Price reports Roger Goodell says the league is looking into the Peyton Manning/HGH story, but is not hiring an independent investigator yet.
• Mark Daniels writes Goodell sings same tune on Deflategate; says NFL done with air-pressure research.