It was reportedly tabled back during federal mediation before the NFL lockout began, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell apparently is bringing up the idea again of the league going to an 18-game regular season, cutting the preseason to only two games. In a conference call with Tennessee Titans season ticket holders, he tells us about what is supposedly the overall opinion of those regular customers.
Considerinf the question was asked of ROTB some time ago and the general answer was to not change and that the real issue is playing full price for a pro game.
Here is what he said:
"We do think it is attractive to season-ticket holders. I hear that all of the time from our season-ticket holders. We have not abandoned our position on that. We do think it is the right thing for the game. It improves the quality of what we do, and it improves the value for you as season-ticket holders. ... We do think it is a benefit for everybody, but we want to do it the right way, and we want to do it responsibly. That includes the players' perspective.''
What is interesting is that he hears this from those buying season tickets. I understand the part about value. I understand the part of not watching the preseason. They are not exciting.
I have a sneaky suspicion that the question was asked in a yes or no format -- would you be interested in 18 regular season games? Most might at least say yes. But the discussion goes further.
I don't like Goodell even bringing up the subject, considering the current lockout. Players never wanted that. So it would seem that it would not be very endearing to the players to hear that the topic that was once table is being discussed.
I wonder if this coming out will affect anything in future negotiations. Hopefully not. It would be really stupid to lose a deal over a deal because of a comment in public intended for those who already are spending their own money.
Considering the current lockout situation, it is a bad idea all around.