Harrison: I used 'inappropriate' words to describe Goodell

LATROBE, Pa. -- James Harrison is an emotional guy. Always has been. The Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker plays with an intensity few in the NFL can match.

Yet the four-time Pro Bowler knows that fury has its limits, and Friday he admitted he blew right past them in a magazine article earlier this month in which he used a gay slur when talking about NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and criticized teammates for their play in Pittsburgh's Super Bowl loss to Green Bay.

"The comments I made about Roger Goodell were inappropriate at the least and way out of line," Harrison said. "I was speaking out of anger and frustration at the time and any comments that I may have made that offended anyone with my careless use of words, I apologize."

Harrison used the slur while expressing his frustration over the league's new player safety rules. One of the NFL's fiercest hitters, the volatile 33-year-old drew $100,000 in fines for illegal hits last season. He thought he was venting about the new rules -- and not Goodell personally -- while calling him a "crook" and a "devil."

Only it didn't read like that, and Harrison allows he should have used a "better vocabulary" when talking about the issue and the commissioner.

The 2008 AP Defensive Player of the Year hasn't spoken to Goodell since the article was published and isn't sure whether he'll be disciplined by the league.

"I don't think (Goodell) is a guy that's going to hold something on a personal level (against me professionally)," Harrison said. "I attacked him on a personal level, which wasn't right. I don't expect anything to be done."

There's also the question on whether Goodell would even have the power to suspend or fine Harrison.

The comments were made during the NFL lockout, meaning technically Harrison wasn't working for the league at the time. Harrison said he wouldn't decide whether to fight any penalty until it is levied.

The team has not indicated it will discipline Harrison, though coach Mike Tomlin agreed with Harrison's assessment that his words were inappropriate. Harrison spoke to owner Art Rooney recently but hasn't been excluded from any team activities as the defending AFC champions opened training camp.

One place where the article didn't create a stir appears to be the locker room. Harrison reached out to running back Rashard Mendenhall -- whom Harrison called a "fumble machine" -- and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger -- whom Harrison said needed to "stop trying to act like Peyton Manning" -- after the article came out.

Both players said there were no hard feelings and are well aware that Harrison's temper can sometimes get the best of him.

"He called me that morning (the article came out) and left me a voice mail because he was sure I wanted to talk to him and I had no idea what he was talking about," Roethlisberger said. "So I called him and he explained everything and it literally was nothing, absolutely no linger effects whatsoever."

Roethlisberger threw a pair of interceptions in Pittsburgh's 31-25 loss to the Packers, with both picks leading to touchdowns. The way the quarterback looked at Harrison's outburst, all he was doing was stating the obvious.

"No one is going to be harder on me than I am and I told James, I told everybody that it was my fault we lost the Super Bowl anyway, so if he wants to reiterate what I said, that's fine," Roethlisberger said.

The players appear eager to put the incident behind them and move forward, though Harrison is hardly the only Steeler to make waves off the field during a bumpy offseason for one of the league's marquee franchises.

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Wide receiver Hines Ward won "Dancing With the Stars" then was arrested for DUI in Georgia, a charge that drew national headlines and took some of the shine off his image as a humble and hard-working team leader. He declined to talk specifics about his arrest, but understands why it was a big deal.

"That's what comes with it, the price of fame," Ward said. "Every little thing you do is in the media eye and the public's eye. For me it's a learning process. You can't be one of the boys and do things, you have to look at the big picture. I'm confident in the end that everything will work out."

Mendenhall, like Roethlisberger, shrugged off Harrison's jabs. He also declined to expound on his controversial tweets following the death of Osama bin Laden in April. He's only too anxious to move forward.

So is the rest of the team, which continued a flurry of activity by releasing veteran offensive tackle Flozell Adams early Friday morning. The 36-year-old Adams became expendable after the team agreed to terms with Willie Colon and Jonathan Scott late Thursday night.

Colon and Scott, along with the team's other signings, can't practice until next week, meaning things will be very much in flux as the Steelers begin the process of trying to get back to the Super Bowl.

The loss to the Packers has hung with Roethlisberger for months. Even his wedding last week to Ashley Harlan, a physician assistant, hasn't made him forget about his disappointment in Dallas.

"We can't dwell on the past," he said. "We have to focus on the future and what's to come."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Good sign? Goodell, Smith travel together to rookie seminar

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith opened a four-day labor discussion in Minnesota, then hopped on a plane to Florida to speak to rookie players.

Spokesmen for the league and the players' association confirmed Tuesday night to The Associated Press that Goodell and Smith were on the same plane from Minnesota to address players at the NFLPA-run rookie symposium. Smith asked Goodell to speak to the players Wednesday morning at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Sarasota, Fla., and the commissioner agreed.

Goodell and Smith plan to leave Florida later Wednesday to fly back to Minneapolis and continue the labor talks, which have taken on a decidedly different look.

Goodell and Smith are accompanied only by their staffs, rather than members of each constituency, and owners and players aren't expected to directly participate, although they will remain apprised of any developments. The parties' legal teams are expected to trade proposals on the framework of a settlement, in an effort to move the process toward conclusion, and they will intensify their focus on the key issues, most notably the revenue split.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (left) and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith and their staffs will meet face-to-face in Minnesota this week. (David Drapkin/Associated Press)

The four-day, face-to-face session will be the longest yet. The previous longest session was the first one, held May 31 through June 2 near a private airport in suburban Chicago. Subsequent meetings on New York's Long Island, Maryland's Eastern Shore and Massachusetts' South Shore each lasted two days.

The changing time frame surrounding this set of talks and the shifting cast of characters -- the first "secret" meetings only included Goodell, Smith, owners, players and U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan -- are seen as part of the process of negotiating a new agreement to end a lockout that's in its fourth month.

Boylan ran three two-day sets of court-ordered mediation between the owners and players in April and May, and he has been present for all of the more recent meetings. His chambers are located in Minneapolis.

A decision from the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, where the league appealed a district court's issuance of a lockout-lifting injunction, could come soon, too. The time frame on such decisions from an appeals court generally is 30 to 45 days, and the hearing was held June 3. However, the league and players have expressed a desire to work toward an agreement before the three-judge panel's ruling is announced.

The St. Louis Rams and Chicago Bears, who are scheduled to play in the preseason-opening Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 7, are set to open training camp just three weeks from Friday, and time is beginning to run short on the parties' negotiating teams as they look to preserve the preseason in its traditional form. Some have suggested July 15 as the deadline for that to happen.

The parties have spent the past four weeks largely discussing the revenue split, an issue that dwarfs all others. It's not just the revenue now, but also how to account for the players' take in the league's future growth, particularly when the next round of television deals are negotiated for 2014 and beyond. The idea of an "all revenue" model, which would eliminate cost credits to the owners and limit revenue projections, has bridged some differences, but the issue still hasn't been settled.

The parties broached the rookie pay system for the first time during clandestine sessions Thursday, and it also proved to be a difficult area to navigate. Last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Rams quarterback Sam Bradford, received about $50 million guaranteed in his rookie deal, and the owners have long looked to drastically mark down price tags like this.

The numbers aren't the only issue. Finding a way to replace the market effect those contracts have on veterans and getting those high picks to free agency quicker are among the players' concerns. Currently, six-year contracts are allowed for the high first-round picks making big money.

Last week, one team executive told NFL Network that owners and players were within "striking distance" of a deal, but that nothing was close or imminent. But another involved executive said: "There are enough legitimate issues to where it could all fall down still. They're dealing with that stuff."

After last week's meeting at a beachside resort in Hull, Mass., Goodell and Smith emerged together and provided a symbolic moment in the joint effort toward a resolution.

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"Someone asked me if I was optimistic -- I think we're both optimistic when we have the right people in the room," Smith said. "We know we're talking about the right issues, and we're working hard to get it done. It's extremely complicated. It requires a lot of hard work by a lot of people. But we're committed to getting something done. And we're gonna keep working at it."

Said Goodell: "We are under court order, as far as what we can discuss. Obviously we're all working hard, the players and owners were here over the last few days, and De and I were here for the entire meetings also. And it's complicated and it's complex, but we're working hard. We understand the fans' frustration, but I think both of us feel strongly that we're going to continue to work hard on it."

Goodell and Smith have been joined by Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, New York Giants owner John Mara, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, New York Jets fullback Tony Richardson, Baltimore Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth and Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday, as well as Boylan, as constants in the room.

NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, who has been in some talks, attended the trade association's rookie seminar Tuesday and said roughly 170 players were participating in the event. Mawae also addressed more than 40 Tampa Bay Buccaneers players who are holding a three day minicamp at the vast IMG Academy campus, where the NFLPA event is being held.

The Associated Press and NFL.com senior writer Steve Wyche contributed to this report.

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Goodell considers recent labor talks to be 'a positive sign'

FORT BRAGG, N.C. -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will spend the weekend preparing for the next set of labor negotiations, energized by this week's secret talks that he believes show both parties are committed to ending their dispute.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (right) shares a laugh with troops Friday while visiting Fort Bragg in North Carolina. (National Football League)

While the owners and players spent Friday in a St. Louis courtroom arguing over the legality of the league-imposed lockout, Goodell visited with troops at Fort Bragg, a U.S. Army base in North Carolina, with Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera.

At the end of a long day that included trying on -- but not using -- a parachute, Goodell took questions from soldiers before telling reporters there's some reason for optimism following the clandestine talks in suburban Chicago.

"The importance is to have the principles talk," Goodell said. "That's what we were interested in doing, have the owners and players talk to one another. That was accomplished this week. ... That's a positive sign for us."

Goodell was far from specific -- he wouldn't say when the next round of talks would be held or if the owners will prepare another offer -- but he acknowledged both parties showed a willingness to work toward a deal.

Goodell wouldn't say how the league and its players will compromise on the stumbling blocks in the negotiations, mostly notably how to divvy up $9 billion in annual revenue.

"I would just tell you that both sides are committed to continuing the dialogue," Goodell said. "In negotiations, you're making different suggestions, recommendations and proposals from time to time. I think both sides will do that in a responsible fashion."

Goodell agreed that having the lawyers absent and the players and owners directly meet -- Rivera acknowledged that Panthers owner Jerry Richardson was there -- helped get the talks rolling.

"I still believe principle to principle is the best way to really get the kind of dialogue you need so people understand the different perspectives," Goodell said.

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But time is running out. Already, free agency has been delayed, minicamps canceled and optional workouts put on hold. Training camps are scheduled to open next month.

Goodell wasn't spared from the fans' frustrations at Fort Bragg. One soldier accused the owners of being the players' "No. 1 distraction" and asked Goodell, "Where's the passion, the love of game?"

"I understand the frustration and criticism because people want football," Goodell said. "You hear that everywhere you go. I heard that all day today. That's what we're in the business of doing. You have to make sure you're taking the right steps, though, to protect the game for a long-term basis."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Unhappy Titans fans pepper Goodell on lockout, other issues

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the lockout to some unhappy Tennessee Titans fans and said the league doesn't have a "drop-dead date" to end the impasse with the players and play the 2011 season.

"We're going to work to try to get this done and try to avoid having lost anything more of the NFL than we've already lost," Goodell said.

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Goodell held his latest conference call with season ticket-holders Thursday, spending about 36 minutes on the telephone with Titans fans. They asked Goodell if the 2011 season will be wiped out and about an 18-game schedule, having a team in Los Angeles and how ticket prices are set.

Most of the fans the commissioner heard from weren't happy about the situation.

Lee from Joelton wanted to know why NFL owners won't open their books to the players. John from Lafayette asked how far apart owners and players really are on a collective bargaining agreement. Phillip from Nashville didn't have a question but warned the commissioner that upset fans will take out their anger on the NFL.

"Get everybody to sit down and stay until they work out some agreement and get this thing behind them before the NFL loses all credibility," said Phillip, who shares eight season tickets with his son.

William from San Ramon, Calif., flies to Nashville for three games per season, and he reminded Goodell of Major League Baseball's struggles to regain fans after a strike wiped out the 1994 World Series.

"It's like Rome's a great empire, so's the NFL," William said. "But if it's not supported by the fans, it won't be a great empire."

Goodell calmly answered each question, defending the lockout as a tool to force negotiations. He said he understands fans' frustration and anger directed at the NFL.

"I think all of us will bear the responsibility for it if we're not able to come up with solutions," Goodell said.

The commissioner also defended owners not opening the books, saying that won't solve the issue. Goodell said players have the league's revenue "down to a penny" and know costs are rising faster than revenues. He said NFL economics have dramatically changed over the last 10 to 15 years.

"These are serious issues that need to be addressed, and this is the time to do it and not kick the can down the street here," Goodell said. "The owners have been responsive to putting a fair proposal on the table. We now need the players to engage rather than litigate and to get back to trying to solve the problems, which as you point out are at the core economic issues."

Goodell also said the NFL intends to play the full season. But he noted the league had to cancel its annual rookie symposium in June, with the start of training camps dangerously close.

"We don't have a drop-dead date," Goodell said.

The commissioner said negotiations, not lawsuits, will settle this labor dispute.

"There are obviously issues that we disagree on, but there are certainly solutions to those disagreements," Goodell said. "I think it's going to come down to everyone realizing we're better off working together to find solutions than fighting. That's in the best interest of growing the game and will be in the best interest of all parties going forward."

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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Lions fans question 'Calvin Johnson rule' in chat with Goodell

Forget about the lockout. When Detroit Lions fans chatted with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Thursday, they seemed more interested in discussing the rule that overturned Calvin Johnson's apparent game-winning touchdown catch in their team's season-opening loss to the Chicago Bears last year.

As reported in the Detroit Free Press, Goodell touched on a number of subjects during a 30-minute conference call with Lions season-ticket holders, but he disagreed with the fans' contention that the Johnson rule, in which officials determined the receiver didn't have possession of the ball before losing it as he went to celebrate, is unfair.

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"What people want is consistency in the rules," Goodell said. "Any time there's judgment, that's when you sometimes get the inconsistency. If you're a fan from one team, you're looking at it from one perspective. If you're a fan from another team, you're looking at it from another perspective. You want to try to make it as black-and-white as possible, and you want to make sure it's as consistent as possible from game to game."

Still, the questioning continued, and Goodell further explained the rule.

"There are really three elements to any catch," he said. "No. 1, you've got to secure and control the ball in your hands. And No. 2, you've got to maintain control when you've got two feet down, or any other part of the body other than your hands. And No. 3 is you have to make sure that -- and this clarification we'll add to the (rule) book -- you must control the ball long enough after A and B have occurred that you've caught the ball cleanly and you've got two feet down or another body part, you've got to control that long enough. And that's something we have oftentimes looked at in our rules.”

Other topics discussed were similar to those raised on other conference calls -- Goodell has spoken to fans of roughly half of the 32 teams this offseason. Goodell reiterated his stance that the labor dispute between owners and players needs to be resolved through collective bargaining, and he said there isn't a drop-dead date at which time the 2011 season would be in jeopardy and there hasn't been talk of replacement players. He also said the league will look to have "reasonable" free-agency rules in place for 2011.

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Goodell focused on Favre probe meeting 'the right conclusion'

MINNEAPOLIS -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he's still "following up" on some of the information in the Brett Favre investigation to make sure it's thorough and reaches "the right conclusion."

Goodell met with Favre briefly during his visit to Minnesota for Monday's Bears-Vikings game at snowy TCF Bank Stadium. Goodell did not elaborate on the nature of the work he has left to do on the investigation, nor would he be specific when asked when he will declare his decision.

"I'm not going to put a timetable on it, other than I did say I hope it'll be by the end of the regular season," Goodell said.

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He added: "We want to be as thorough and serious about it and reach the right conclusion."

Favre said he had a "brief conversation" with Goodell before the game, but the quarterback declined to elaborate on the discussion.

"I wouldn't call that an investigation or anything like that," Favre said.

Favre allegedly sent inappropriate messages and lewd photos to former New York Jets employee Jenn Sterger two years ago when they were both with the team. The allegations against the 41-year-old quarterback surfaced months ago on the website Deadspin.

Favre, who was declared out for the game when the Vikings issued their injury report on Saturday, was upgraded to questionable on Monday and started despite a sprained throwing shoulder that kept him out the week before and ended his NFL-record streak of 297 straight regular-season games started.

His return didn't last long. Bears defensive end Corey Wootton slammed Minnesota's quarterback to the ground in the second quarter, and Favre watched the rest of a 40-14 loss from the bench.

Favre has said several times this year that this will be his last season, and only two games remain.

Goodell requested a meeting earlier in the day with Minnesota Gov.-elect Mark Dayton regarding the team's drive for a new stadium. The Vikings had been lobbying for a new place to play for more than a decade before the Metrodome's roof collapsed under the weight of last weekend's blizzard.

Goodell also met with business leaders, union leaders and state legislators. He said he will help however he can.

"I think there's a recognition that we need to find a long-term solution for the Vikings here, get a new stadium built, and we're all going to work together," commissioner said.

Dayton said before the meeting that Goodell will have a "crucial" role in the process.

"If it's a good deal for the people of Minnesota, I'll support it," Dayton said. "If the financial benefits of 8,000 construction jobs, the taxes they pay, the additional revenues from contractors, subcontractors, all of the financial gains to the state of Minnesota exceed the costs, then it's a good deal for the people of Minnesota."

Two separate groups in Los Angeles are aiming to build stadiums there. The Vikings have a lease at the Metrodome through next season. But Goodell said he "certainly" hopes the franchise would not be relocated.

"Our focus is entirely on making sure they're successful here in this market," Goodell said.

Goodell stopped by the Metrodome to see the damage and called it "quite startling." Because the focus has been on getting the stadium at the University of Minnesota ready, Goodell said, it was too early to assess the Metrodome's status for next season.

Players from both the Bears and the Vikings voiced worry this week about the safety of the turf at TCF Bank Stadium, the University of Minnesota's home field, but Goodell said experts have signed off on the condition and expressed no concern about it.

"We have great respect for the players," Goodell said. "They're a part of developing these rules and focusing on the techniques that we think should be eliminated from the game. We'll continue to make sure that the rules are enforced to make the game as safe as possible."

Goodell also addressed the status of the league's labor talks with the players' union, given the lack of a collective bargaining agreement in place for next season.

"We're not as close as I'd like to be. We have a lot more work to be done," Goodell said. "We have time to get it done, but it's going to need a very concerted effort to get that done."

For more NFL labor news, visit http://NFLLabor.com

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Sterger's lawyer: Completed Favre inquest sent to Goodell

The NFL has wrapped up its investigation into allegations that Brett Favre sent inappropriate phone messages and photos to a New York Jets team employee two years ago, the woman's attorney said Wednesday.

Attorney Joseph Conway said Joe Hummel, the director of investigative services for the NFL's security department, told him the case has been sent to Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league's lawyers for review.

"He told me it's upstairs in the commissioner's office and the lawyers are going over it," said Conway, the lawyer for Jenn Sterger. "I have not been told a timetable as when to expect something, and I have not been told what the findings will be."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello declined to discuss details of the case and said "we're not ruling out this week. We're not ruling out next week" in terms of a decision.

Sterger allegedly received the inappropriate messages and photos two years ago when she and the quarterback both worked for the Jets. Favre has declined to address the allegations or the investigation.

Favre spent one season with the Jets in 2008 before joining the Minnesota Vikings last year. The 41-year-old quarterback has said that this will be his last season in the NFL, though he has retired before, only to return soon afterward.

Conway reiterated Sterger's desire for the league to announce the findings -- and any potential penalties while the NFL still has jurisdiction over him -- before the end of the season.

NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora has reported that it's highly unlikely that Favre will be suspended, although other discipline, including a fine, is possible.

The NFL first announced the investigation in October, just before the Vikings played the Jets.

Sterger didn't meet with NFL officials to discuss the case and turn over alleged evidence until Nov. 11, but Conway said it would be unfair to say that was the reason why the investigation has taken so long.

"I think we did things very diligently," Conway said. "We went in just about a month ago. We were kind of under the expectation that that meeting was one of the last things that needed to be done. I'd be disappointed if anybody said that the reason this took so long is because Jenn did not come in right away."

The Sports Business Journal first reported the development.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Goodell says players have his ear but won't be judging hits

CINCINNATI -- Sorry, Troy Polamalu. Commissioner Roger Goodell says active NFL players won't be deciding punishment for flagrant hits that merit fines.

Goodell wants to hear their opinions, though.

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The commissioner said Monday the league has been opposed to allowing active players or team officials to get involved in deciding punishments. The league recently increased its enforcement of rules against flagrant hits.

The Steelers safety has been outspoken against the crackdown, saying it has caused paranoia around the league. Teammate James Harrison was been fined $100,000 for three hits, prompting him to talk briefly about retiring. Polamalu suggested last week that current players and team officials should be involved in deciding punishments.

Goodell indicated that's not going to happen.

"There are league executives involved and there are former players involved," Goodell said, before a program promoting the Monday night game between the Bengals and Steelers. "I think having active players and active front office executives is something the competition committee has always frowned on."

Goodell emphasized that he's not part of the fines process, which was set up with the players' association.

Last week, Goodell summoned Harrison to his office to talk about his late hit on Saints quarterback Drew Brees two days earlier. Harrison later was fined $20,000 for the play.

Harrison also has been fined $75,000 for a helmet hit on Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi and $5,000 for slamming Titans quarterback Vince Young to the ground this season. Goodell got Harrison's opinions on the crackdown.

"I always seek to get players' involvement," Goodell said. "I actually work very hard to make sure we understand the players' perspective. As a matter of fact, bringing James Harrison in last week was an opportunity to be able to hear from an active player -- what he's thinking, what's his perspective, what's he challenged with -- so we can make sure we understand that as we're going forward in the season."

Harrison mentioned the difficulty in trying to hit a moving runner.

"I think James is an outstanding player and I think he's a guy who wants to play the game within the rules," Goodell said. "He's certainly a tough football player, and I admire him very much on that level.

"I think one of the things he's frustrated by is ... when the offensive player is moving, how do I as a defensive player adjust? I think that's something that our competition committee and all of our coaches and our player committee often have talked about, and I think that's something we've got to try to continue to address."

Goodell appeared at a downtown luncheon along with several former Bengals players to promote the Monday night game. He also planned to visit fans tailgating outside Paul Brown Stadium before the game.

"They really love the game, and I think it's important for us to understand their perspective not just about the game but also their experience with the game," Goodell said. "We always look to what can we do to get fans to participate more, and that's something we strive to do. They want more participation in the game."

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Goodell says NFL looking at 'workplace conduct' in Favre probe

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told fans in an NFL.com chat that "workplace conduct" is the main focus of the league's investigation into allegations of improper behavior by Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre.

Goodell said Thursday that the Favre situation is being treated seriously while facts in the case are being gathered. The commissioner's response came after one participant in the session argued that players haven't been given "fair warning in the area of workplace conduct with women around."

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"Each of these cases are looked at individually, and we have to be thorough and fair," Goodell said. "We also are working hard on the development of our workplace conduct training program for all teams. We are working with experts in the field and expect to roll it out to our teams by the end of the season.

Brett Favre declined Wednesday to discuss allegations that he sent suggestive messages and lewd photos to a female New York Jets employee in 2008, when the quarterback played for the team.

"That's a league issue that I just have to leave at that," said Favre, who met with NFL vice president for security Milt Ahlerich on Tuesday in Minnesota.

Goodell also addressed numerous questions Thursday about player safety, a hot topic after the league's recent crackdown on players who make dangerous hits on opponents.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Commissioner Goodell 'just looking for facts' in Favre case

CHICAGO -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday there isn't a timetable for wrapping up an investigation of an Internet report that Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre sent racy text messages and lewd photos to a former New York Jets game hostess two years ago.

"We're just looking for facts now," Goodell said at the NFL Fall League Meeting. "I am going to deal with it as we get the facts."

Goodell said he didn't have plans to meet with Favre, "but if it is something that would help us get to a conclusion and it is warranted, I will do so."

The investigation, announced last week, centers on a report by the sports website Deadspin that Favre, then with the Jets, sent the photos and messages to Jenn Sterger in 2008.

Sterger's manager, Phil Reese, declined to say if his client has talked with the NFL.

"This is something that allegedly happened two years ago," Reese said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "We don't want a quick resolution, but the proper resolution."

Favre could be fined or suspended under the NFL's personal-conduct policy.

"One of the reasons we instituted the personal-conduct policy ... to make everyone understand their responsibilities," Goodell said. "We're not going down a line of speculation and hypothetical situations."

Favre hasn't responded to questions about the Deadspin report.

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Deadspin also reported that Favre pursued two female massage therapists who worked part-time for the Jets. The website didn't identify the women, but the Jets have said they gave contact information about them to the league.

Two high-profile quarterbacks recently were penalized for violating the NFL's personal-conduct policy.

Former Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick returned to the league in 2009 with the Philadelphia Eagles after missing two seasons for his role in a dogfighting ring. He served an 18-month sentence in prison.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games in April after he was accused of, but not charged with, sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman at a bar in a Georgia college town. Goodell shortened that ban to four games just before the season, and Roethlisberger will return to the field for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns.

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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Owners, Goodell want new labor deal with players soon

CHICAGO -- For now, optimism is the NFL owners' approach in negotiations with the players on a new collective-bargaining agreement.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft said Tuesday that it's a realistic goal to reach a new labor deal before the end of the season. At the conclusion of the NFL Fall League Meeting, Kraft said: "We're moving ahead. I'd like to see this get done before the season ends." Asked if that was a realistic objective, he added "to me it is."

Even as the 32 team owners discussed strategies for negotiations with the NFL Players Association and the possibility of a work stoppage, many of them expressed confidence that the league isn't headed for a lockout. The CBA expires in March, and union officials steadfastly claim they expect to be locked out if a new deal isn't reached.

"It's taken a lot of time and energy to build the league into what it is, and we want to keep it going," Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Tuesday. "I don't think it's doomsday, and we're taking it a day at a time. Everybody is engaged, and from my perspective, the key thing is to find a solution. That's where both sides are.

"I know that energy (to reach a deal) will be there."

Added Commissioner Roger Goodell: "Our issue is to get there sooner rather than later, bargaining in good faith and get an agreement with the players that is fair."

NFLPA president Kevin Mawae, who recently retired after a 16-year playing career, also called for an early agreement.

"We should recognize the business we are both in, and for our fans and workers, let's wrap this up by the holidays," Mawae told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "I agree on both time and energy. Since 2006, the players contributed almost $3 billion to stadium construction and improvements, so our investment is at risk, too. The players are the ones losing their health care, and yet it was the owners who opted out of this deal and are threatening a lockout."

Expanding the regular season to 18 games wasn't discussed, except when Irsay joked about it. Colts president Bill Polian recently said that it was a "fait accompli," then was admonished by Goodell.

"There's nothing else to report," Irsay said with a laugh. "My president said some things, and then the commissioner said some things to him, and I said some things."

Goodell reiterated Tuesday that the league wants all of its partners involved in such a decision.

"We're trying to do it the right way, in a comprehensive fashion and understanding all perspectives of this," Goodell said. "We recognize the player-health-safety issues and what we do to prepare our players in the offseason. I think we've been both thoughtful and intelligent. We made a proposal to the players on this.

"Every day you go by without implementing it, that's probably another day it is into the future. We're not as focused on when as much as doing it properly."

Goodell and the NFL Alumni also announced a partnership to benefit retired players that will include the Gay Culverhouse Players' Outreach Program. Efforts will include hiring case workers, establishment of a toll-free hotline and personal contact with retired players and their families through events sponsored by NFL Alumni and the Culverhouse program.

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"There are very comprehensive benefits and services available," Goodell said. "But too often former players and their families don't know what they are or how to gain access to the programs."

Hall of Famer Mike Ditka spoke to the owners about treatment of retired players. Ditka is an active critic of how the league has handled taking care of retired players.

"Ain't no one going broke in football," Ditka said. "Greed is a great sin."

For more NFL labor news, visit http://NFLLabor.com

Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

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