NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell opened his Tuesday news conference at the NFL Spring Meeting in Boston by reflecting on those people affected by the horrific tornado in Moore, Oklahoma.
Draft
Next Goodell confirmed that the draft will be moved back to May next year because of a scheduling conflict at Radio City Music Hall for years to come. The 2014 draft could be May 8-10 or May 15 -17.
He said that the league is taking a harder look at moving out of Radio City Music Hall after 2014, and possibly out of New York entirely.
“If we want to move the draft back into the April period, we’re going to have to look at other alternatives. Other cities, other venues,” Goodell said.
“We haven’t found the location in New York that meets our requirements and where we think we can continue to grow the event,” Goodell said. “If we do, that will be one of the alternatives. I think one of the things we have to do at some point is start looking at other cities.”
Super Bowl
Next on the agenda was the award of the next two Super Bowls to San Francisco and Houston respectively as well as a discussion as what it will take for a city to be a host city.
“I did have a few owners who expressed to me privately that the condition of the stadium was an important factor,” Goodell.
Technology and Microsoft Deal
“You can start with how we communicate with each other, whether it’s game officials or coaches. Coaches can look at formations as they develop. We’ll look at how do you do the still photos better, get more into real time? Is there a more efficient way to give replay officials a way of doing reviews better through technology?”
The NFL entered into a deal worth reportedly $400 million with Microsoft to incorporate technology into live games with content to tablet and smartphone apps that ties the TV experience with fantasy league teams.
Pro Bowl
Goodell also spoke to the media about changing how Pro Bowl rosters are chosen, including an idea where captains would be selected and then pick their own teams.
