Speaking at a Friday afternoon press conference, Roger Goodell announced that the NFL will overhaul its personal conduct policy in the wake of increased scrutiny and public outcry over the league's poor handling of domestic violence incidents.
Goodell said the league office will form a conduct committee to examine the way the league handles things and that he's willing to give up some of the "judge, jury, executioner" power he's held for so long.
"Everything is on the table," Goodell said. "We're going to make sure we look at every aspect of the process in how we gather information to make that decision, how we make that decision and the appeals process.
"We can't continue to operate like this."
Goodell listed a number of things -- including, specifically, child abuse, which applies to the Adrian Peterson matter -- to be "condemned and stopped."
"Domestic violence, including child abuse, sexual assault, irresponsible ownership or handling of firearms, the illegal use of alcohol or drugs -- these activities must be condemned and stopped through education and discipline," Goodell said.
The target for this new policy? Goodell said his goal "is to complete this by the Super Bowl."
"There will be changes to our personal conduct policy," Goodell said. "I know this because we will make it happen. Nothing is off the table. Let me say it again: We will implement new conduct policies. They will have a set of clear and transparent rules for league and club personnel, owners and players. My goal is to complete this by the Super Bowl."
Taking away some of the commissioner's power is a major blow to the league office and to Goodell. But it's a smart move by the NFL here: Having all the power with one person who doesn't face checks and balances is a big problem. Both for people facing the discipline and, as we see now, potentially for Goodell himself.
Bringing in additional people from around the league to help mete out punishment will go a long way in helping create transparency and a more fair sense of the way the league handles things.
"We will do whatever it is necessary to ensure we are thorough in our review process and our conclusions are reliable," Goodell said. "We will get our house in order first."
Amid public outcry, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell pledges to 'get our house in order first.' (Getty)
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