National Football League

Goodell says NFL 'not close' on agreement to strip his disciplinary power

Published Mar. 23, 2016 12:30 p.m. ET

foxsports

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell might be willing to give up his power to discipline players, but isn't willing to talk about potential changes to the current process with the media.

Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported that the NFLPA and the NFL are reportedly working on a deal that would strip Goodell of his power to discipline players for off-the-field incidents.

Goodell downplayed the report when asked about it during Wednesday's press conference.

"We have had discussions about the discipline process for decades," he said. "We're always open to that. If we can find a better discipline system, let's do it...

"We're not close to an agreement by any stretch."

The commissioner was unwilling to elaborate on the subject and indicated that any possible changes to the current disciplinary process would be discussed privately with the union.