Why Is Roger Goodell’s Super Bowl Press Conference an Invite-Only Event?

Roger Goodell has decided to make an unprecedented move! The Super Bowl press conference is the media’s chance to ask burning questions. And get answers directly from the man in charge. After an entire season, with its fair share of happenings and mis-happenings, a presser is essential. But that will not be the case this year.

So, what could be the reason why the NFL is making this move? Could it be that they want to avoid uncomfortable questions entirely?

Roger Goodell shuts the door for most people

If you’re looking forward to the Super Bowl press conference in Las Vegas, here’s a heads-up. The NFL has decided to move it to Monday this year. Traditionally, it is held on Friday or Wednesday during Super Bowl week. Oh, and there’s one more thing. And it’s pretty important. The press availability has now become an invitation-only affair.

The shift has led to speculation. Mike Florio wondered if the change is linked to the Super Bowl being hosted in the gambling hub of America. It remains to be seen whether Commissioner Goodell will address this move and its implications during the event. What are the other reasons that this move is being orchestrated?

Gambling at the heart of the issue?

Goodell himself had cast his vote in favor of the non-legalization of gambling. “If gambling is permitted freely on sporting events, normal incidents of the game such as bad snaps, dropped passes, turnovers, penalties, and play calling inevitably will fuel speculation, distrust and accusations of point-shaving or game-fixing.” He’d said this in 2012. But then the Supreme Court legalized it anyway. Mike Florio, who is not on the invite list, by the way, wants to know: What is the NFL doing to counter it or prevent it?

There’s an additional layer of intrigue. Last year, NFL Media chose not to renew Jim Trotter’s contract. Why? Netizens speculated it happened because he pressed Goodell on the league’s perceived shortcomings in promoting diversity. Even with Trotter no longer in the picture. Concerns persist about the NFL’s progress in diversity. This is despite the recent appointment of three Black head coaches.

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With the change in the conference format, no one will step up to address these issues next week.

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