PALM BEACH, Fla. — NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Tuesday mentioned the concept of NFL gamers competing in flag soccer within the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Video games has been a well-liked subject among the many league’s gamers and steered it was prone to occur.
“I’ve heard instantly from loads of gamers who wish to take part and symbolize their nation, whether or not it is United States or the nation that they got here from,” Goodell mentioned as he wrapped up the NFL’s annual assembly.
Participation within the Olympics was among the many matters of dialog with house owners and league officers this week, a number of folks informed ESPN, because the NFL tries to work by way of the problems related to gamers partaking within the Video games.
Males’s and ladies’s flag soccer will debut as an Olympic sport in 2028 and its addition to the Video games comes, partly, due to the NFL’s full-throated help. Flag soccer is a key initiative for the NFL as a result of the league sees it as a method of rising American soccer internationally.
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However there are points that must be addressed, together with damage protections for groups and gamers, and the Olympics schedule, which could battle with the beginning of NFL coaching camps within the late summer season. The Video games are scheduled for July 14-30, 2028.
“I feel that is one thing that we’ll proceed to debate with, not simply the union, but in addition the golf equipment,” Goodell mentioned. “I feel each of these are issues that we’ll in all probability resolve someday within the subsequent 60 days.”
Elsewhere, Goodell continued to defend the league’s stance on variety in gentle of widespread pushback throughout the nation in opposition to variety, fairness and inclusion efforts.
“We’re absolutely dedicated to persevering with that work to attempt to develop higher expertise and provides them that chance and make the NFL higher in the end,” Goodell mentioned. “So, we’re all-in on that.”
Requested in regards to the league’s present panorama that features no Black offensive coordinators, Goodell mentioned, “We’ve got loads of nice offensive minds within the league — Black, white, and younger girls too, which might be coming into this. So, there are solely so many alternatives. So, that is at all times a problem. … However I feel I have been very clear that we predict variety makes us higher.”
Requested earlier about his stance on the Rooney Rule — which requires groups to interview underrepresented candidates for varied roles, together with head coach and normal supervisor — Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones provided his help.
“I am all for the Rooney Rule,” he mentioned.
In the meantime, Goodell mentioned the league was no nearer to deciding the destiny of Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who has been accused of inappropriate conduct by 16 therapeutic massage therapists from eight Baltimore spas and wellness facilities, in response to the Baltimore Banner.
The NFL’s evaluate is ongoing, Goodell mentioned, including that the league is not going to offer updates.
