On the integrity-of-the-game issue, let's start with Brady. Why did you decide to suspend him for four games?
As with all cases regarding on-field discipline, we conduct due diligence, make a determination and write up the recommendation on the discipline for the violation. There were a lot of factors considered inside of that recommendation.
Like what?
The commissioner has all of the information, and, as he has previously stated, he's going to evaluate it and make a decision.
Why were you responsible for recommending the punishment for Brady?
Let's be very clear: Football operations makes recommendations to the commissioner on football-related violations, dealing with those occurring on the field, anything that comes inside the stadium and game-day violations. Our process for recommendation has remained the same for decades. It has not changed from me, Ray Anderson, Art Shell, John Beake or George Young. Somebody has to protect the integrity of the game. That's my responsibility, to protect and preserve the competitive fairness of professional football. That's why our game is so great, because we protect the integrity of the game.
Do you think there are other deflators?
No. Not to my knowledge.
On the Brady topic, and others, DeMaurice Smith has been very critical of the commissioner. What's your opinion of Roger Goodell?
There is a great deal of attention placed on a very small few who commit acts that are not representative of the values of football and, in some cases, are outside the laws or morals of our society. I have come to appreciate the strength of Roger's character that causes him to rise higher than the ethics of the current environment that all too often seeks to justify and defend indefensible acts. His leadership and determination has improved the game and the league in so many ways over the past nine years.
