E-Mail
Print
The commissioner was also asked if he felt unwelcome in New Orleans, given the Who Dat Nation's feelings since Goodell suspended Saints head coach Sean Payton for the 2012 season and revoked 2nd round draft picks in 2012 and 2013.
"I couldn't feel more welcome here," the commissioner said during his pre-Super Bowl news conference, then proceeded to joke, "my picture...is in every restaurant. I had a float in the Mardi Gras Parade. We got a voodoo doll."
A few New Orleans eateries have posted pictures of Goodell captioned "Do not serve this man," and the Krewe de Vieux featured a few floats that savaged Goodell -- many of them can't be described in polite company.
Goodell repeated his statements that he believes the New Orleans Saints had a "bounty" program for three seasons under then-defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, that would give players cash if they delivered hits that injured opponents. The commissioner said that's bad for the league and bad for the players. He also said he stands by his decision not to reinstate the Saints' 2013 2nd round draft selection.
The commissioner also praised the Crescent City for the way it has made the world feel welcome as it hosts Super Bowl XLVII.
"It's also terrific for us to be back here in New Orleans, our tenth Super Bowl here, the first since Katrina, and it's clear this city is back bigger and better than ever," he said.
