NFL notes: Roger Goodell: ‘Same mistakes can never be repeated’

More defiant than contrite, Roger Goodell announced no sweeping changes in his first public statements in more than a week of turmoil surrounding the NFL’s handling of players accused of crimes.

The commissioner was definitive about one thing: He has not considered resigning.

Goodell was short on specifics Friday as he discussed how he would address the rash of domestic violence incidents in the league. He said the NFL wants to implement new personal conduct policies by the Super Bowl.

“Unfortunately, over the past several weeks, we have seen all too much of the NFL doing wrong,” he said in his opening statement. “That starts with me.”

The league has faced increasing criticism that it has not acted quickly or emphatically enough. The commissioner reiterated that he botched the handling of the Ray Rice case.

“The same mistakes can never be repeated,” he said.

Goodell said he would meet with NFL Players Association chief DeMaurice Smith next week, and they would work with outside experts to evaluate the league’s policies.

Among the areas that will be examined is Goodell’s role in discipline. The commissioner now oversees all personal conduct cases, deciding guilt and penalties.

He will establish a committee to review NFL personal conduct, seeking experts in the area of domestic abuse and violence to serve on it. Goodell’s role with such a committee was not directly addressed.

“Nothing is off the table,” he said.

One of the key questions is how to balance the league’s desire to take a stance against violent acts with the due-process requirements – and the sometimes slow pace – of the legal system. Goodell indicated the league is considering becoming “engaged” in the investigation process while law enforcement is still handling its probes.

Goodell said he believes he has the support of the NFL’s owners, his bosses.

“That has been clear to me,” he said.

In a memo to the clubs late Thursday, Goodell said that within the next 30 days, all NFL and team personnel will participate in education sessions on domestic violence and sexual assault.

The league will provide financial, operational and promotional support to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center.

Gordon’s suspension reduced

Josh Gordon’s tangled ordeal, full of legal twists and turns, has finally been straightened out. He can run a route back to the Browns this season. Cleveland’s star wide receiver was reinstated into the NFL and had his one-year suspension reduced to 10 games after the league announced changes to its drug policy. The decision ends months of personal torment for the Pro Bowler, who had been banned for repeated drug violations.

Abraham’s career in jeopardy

A severe concussion has ended John Abraham’s season, and perhaps his career.

Arizona placed the 15-year NFL veteran on injured reserve. The 36-year-old outside linebacker sustained a concussion in the season opener against San Diego. He left the team briefly after that, reportedly contemplating retirement, before making an attempt to return this week.

Ravens fans trade in Rice jerseys

Thousands of fans lined up outside the Ravens’ home stadium to trade in their Ray Rice jerseys for those of other Baltimore players. The team set up the two-day program after recently releasing Rice. An estimated 5,000 fans are expected to show up before the event ends today.

Around the league

Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan was suspended for the second time this year for a violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy, and must sit out the next four games without pay. Miami also ruled out linebacker Koa Misi for Sunday’s game against Kansas City because of an ankle injury. … Arizona coach Bruce Arians says Drew Stanton will start at quarterback when the Cardinals play the 49ers on Sunday.