Commissioner Roger Goodell wants the NFL to conduct unannounced inspections of locker rooms, stadium press boxes and in-game communications equipment, and to lower the standard of proof needed for him to impose penalties on a team or person for cheating, it was reported last night.
According to the Washington Post, the proposals were among a series of changes Goodell wants implemented before next season "to preserve the competitive integrity of the game" and "maintain public confidence" in the sport, according to a memo which he sent to the league's competition committee yesterday.
The memo represents Goodell's strongest response to the controversy stemming from the videotaping scandal involving the Patriots this past season and the league's handling of it.
Goodell pledged to impose more severe penalties on teams and employees who violate rules governing competition. He also proposed a measure requiring team employees to report "actual or suspected" violations and another that would require each team's principal owner, top football executive and head coach to stipulate annually, under the threat of league discipline, that they complied with the rules and reported violations.
In addition, Goodell endorsed a proposal to connect one defensive player per team with a coach on the sideline via a wireless device during games, and urged the committee to conduct "a thorough review" of all competitive rules and policies.
The competition committee is scheduled to meet Wednesday in Naples, Fla.
Copyright 2007 NYP Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
