Goodell rejects penalty counts as a measure of NFL officiating
The commissioner pointed to call accuracy as the key test and said officials must meet the league’s sportsmanship standards.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended the league’s officials amid an increase in penalties this year, saying their work should be judged by the accuracy of decisions rather than how often they throw flags.
Goodell also addressed disciplinary action against officials over their behavior toward players. Following Week 4, line judge Jeff Seeman received a two-game suspension, while referee Adrian Hill was suspended for one game. Goodell said accountability and mutual respect were expectations for everyone involved, including officials.
On penalty totals, Goodell argued that officials identify violations rather than cause them. He said the league examines whether calls were correct and reviews plays weekly, sometimes more often, while considering changes to its approach.
Goodell said he saw improvement in officiating. He cited collective bargaining, offseason personnel moves and replay procedures, including replay assist, as beneficial to that progress. He added that efforts to improve decisions would remain ongoing.
