NFL announces finalists for next commissioner
The five finalists to succeed Paul Tagliabue as NFL commissioner were announced Sunday with, no surprise, early favorite Roger Goodell still on the list. Unlike last time, when the late Jim Finks, then the Saints’ general manager, was deadlocked with Tagliabue for three months, none of them has a background that includes playing or coaching in the NFL or running a team.
The closest is the 47-year-old Goodell, who remains a clear favorite, as he has been for the last five years or so, or since he was appointed chief operating officer, the No. 2 job to Tagliabue. Goodell, son of a former U.S. senator from New York, began his NFL career in 1982 as an intern in the league office, interned with the New York Jets for a year, and then returned to the league.
The other with an NFL background is Gregg Levy, who holds the same job Tagliabue held when he became commissioner – the league’s outside counsel. Because he is known by most of the owners, he is considered the most likely challenger.
The other three finalists are Frederick Nance, a Cleveland lawyer; Robert L. Reynolds, of Concord, Mass., the vice chairman and chief operating officer of Fidelity Investments; and Mayo A. Shattuck III of Baltimore, chairman of the board, president and CEO of Constellation Energy.
Shattuck’s contact with the NFL: His wife, Molly, who is 39, made the Baltimore Ravens’ cheerleading squad for the second straight year this season.
Reynolds was a college football official for 15 years.
The committee had been extremely guarded about the identity of candidates – only Goodell’s name was well known when Tagliabue announced his retirement last March and the search committee was announced. The new commissioner is expected to be elected at meetings in Chicago from Aug. 7-9 with the eventual successor to Tagliabue needing votes from 22 of the 32 teams.
Ex-Coug out for season
Defensive tackle Rien Long will need season-ending surgery on his injured Achilles’ tendon after an MRI exam showed it was severed, Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher said.
The Titans placed Long, a three-year veteran and former WSU Cougar, on injured reserve. His roster spot was filled when running back LenDale White reported for camp after the paperwork on his contract had been completed.
Around the league
Ernie Sims, the ninth overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, signed with the Detroit Lions, leaving only two of the top 10 choices unsigned. … The St. Louis Rams agreed to terms with cornerback Tye Hill, their first-round pick and the 15th overall selection in the draft. … Rookie linebacker Roger McIntosh signed a four-year contract with the Washington Redskins. … Cincinnati signed third-round pick Frostee Rucker, one of four Bengals arrested in the last two months, to a four-year contract, bringing the last of their draft picks into camp. … Buffalo quarterback Craig Nall is out indefinitely after injuring his left hamstring three days ago, a potentially significant setback for a player who was expected to compete for the starting job. … Cleveland Browns right tackle Ryan Tucker likely will have minor surgery on his left knee but expects to be back in time for Cleveland’s season opener. … Rookie defensive tackle John McCargo, a first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills, was treated and released from a Rochester-area hospital because of dehydration.