NEW YORK -- The NFL has broadened its investigation into tampering charges involving defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell saying the inquiry has expanded from its focus on Washington to include the Redskins and "several other clubs" for possible infractions involving the former free agent.
Goodell declined to specify what teams the NFL was investigating, nor did he name how many were involved.
"This is not limited to one team," he said Wednesday after a meeting with writers at the NFL headquarters in New York. "We're looking at the extent of teams involved in this topic for possible violations."
Goodell did not say when he expected the NFL to complete its inquiry.
The Redskins signed Haynesworth, whose contract with Tennessee expired after last season, to a seven-year, $100 million contract shortly after he became an unrestricted free agent. Shortly afterward, the Titans complained to the league that Washington contacted Haynesworth and his agent, Chad Speck, prior to Feb. 27 -- thereby violating league rules regarding free agents.
Now, as Goodell revealed, there are more teams involved in the investigation, with the commissioner saying, "We've gotten information, and we don't know if it's accurate."
If a club is found to be guilty of tampering, the league could strip it of a draft pick. In 2008 the San Francisco 49ers lost a fifth-round choice after the NFL determined they tampered with Chicago linebacker Lance Briggs during the 2007 season. The Titans have suggested that their attempts to negotiate with Haynesworth to a long-term deal were compromised by alleged tampering.
Goodell also said the league is continuing its inquiry into an alleged incident last month involving Oakland coach Tom Cable and a Raiders assistant and will wait until local police complete their investigation to act ... if, in fact, the NFL does act. While nothing has been determined, Goodell emphasized disciplinary action is "possible" against the Raiders and/or Cable.
At issue, of course, is alleged violence in the workplace, and while Napa (Calif.) police may find no reason to bring charges against Cable or the Raiders, the NFL could. Goodell did not say when he expected a decision by the league but re-iterated that it would not act or make a statement without the local police completing their inquiry first.
