Goodell wants to go after spies
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wants to crack down on spying next season with more inspections and harsher penalties, steps that follow the disciplining of the New England Patriots for taping opponents’ signals.
Goodell is urging tougher action on teams and employees that would include unannounced inspections of locker rooms and coaches’ areas in press boxes and a lower standard of proof for imposing discipline on those who violate rules. Loss of draft choices would be a possible punishment.
The changes, first disclosed in the Washington Post on Friday, are contained in a memo obtained by the Associated Press. It was sent to the league’s rule-making competition committee, which will make recommendations to the owners at the league meeting starting March 30 in Palm Beach, Fla.
“I think there are a number of steps that should be taken in advance of the start of the 2008 season to improve and strengthen the enforcement procedures designed to preserve the competitive integrity of the game,” Goodell wrote in the memo.
It is a direct outgrowth from Spygate, which resulted in severe fines against coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots, and the forfeiture of New England’s first-round draft choice after the confiscation of tapes during the opening game of the season against the New York Jets.
Around the league
For the second time in a week, the Seattle Seahawks appear to have bolstered their offensive backfield, reportedly agreeing to a deal with free-agent running back Julius Jones. … After a week of minor signings, Carolina made its first significant move in free agency by coming to terms with linebacker Landon Johnson on a three-year, $10 million deal. Johnson spent the past four seasons in Cincinnati, racking up 112 and 109 tackles in the past two years. … Tennessee waived cornerback Kelly Herndon, a former Seattle Seahawks player, and visited with guard Rex Hadnot in their search for veteran help for the offensive line. … New Orleans made another move toward strengthening its linebacker corps, signing former Carolina player Dan Morgan.