"ClooneyGate" - Arianna Huffington Puts Words Into George Clooney's Mouth

This following column has cause a lot of controversy as it was never written by Mr. Clooney, even though he agrees with the message. The New York Times picked up this story of miscommunication and intrigue in the blogsphere. After some thought, I am a bit confused that Clooney would approve this story, then back away from it. He knew it was being done and could have simply discouraged it without this silly drama.

George Clooney: I Am a Liberal. There, I Said It!

HUFFINGTONPOST.COM - March 12, 2006 -

I am a liberal. And I make no apologies for it. Hell, I'm proud of it.

Too many people run away from the label. They whisper it like you'd whisper "I'm a Nazi." Like it's dirty word. But turn away from saying "I'm a liberal" and it's like you're turning away from saying that blacks should be allowed to sit in the front of the bus, that women should be able to vote and get paid the same as a man, that McCarthy was wrong, that Vietnam was a mistake. And that Saddam Hussein had no ties to al-Qaeda and had nothing to do with 9/11.

This is an incredibly polarized time (wonder how that happened?). But I find that, more and more, people are trying to find things we can agree on. And, for me, one of the things we absolutely need to agree on is the idea that we're all allowed to question authority. We have to agree that it's not unpatriotic to hold our leaders accountable and to speak out.

That's one of the things that drew me to making a film about Murrow. When you hear Murrow say, "We mustn't confuse dissent with disloyalty" and "We can't defend freedom at home by deserting it at home," it's like he's commenting on today's headlines.

The fear of been criticized can be paralyzing. Just look at the way so many Democrats caved in the run up to the war. In 2003, a lot of us were saying, where is the link between Saddam and bin Laden? What does Iraq have to do with 9/11? We knew it was bullshit. Which is why it drives me crazy to hear all these Democrats saying, "We were misled." It makes me want to shout, "Fuck you, you weren't misled. You were afraid of being called unpatriotic."

Bottom line: it's not merely our right to question our government, it's our duty. Whatever the consequences. We can't demand freedom of speech then turn around and say, But please don't say bad things about us. You gotta be a grown up and take your hits.

I am a liberal. Fire away.

Commissioner Tagliabue Congradulates Raiders Owner Al Davis For Helping to Bring A Positive End to The CBA Talks

In an interview with NFL Network's Paul Burmiester, Retiring NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue credited Oakland Raiders Manager of The General Partner Al Davis with playing a key role in forging a concensus among the owners to support the proposed revisions to the NFL's CBA. "Al Davis has the respect of the owners, and over the years has given me a lot of good advice....During the meetings he came up and said 'We've got your votes, now they just don't know what they're voting on,'" which partly explains Buffalo Bill's Owner Ralph Wilson's "no" vote -- the only other one contrasting 30 "yes" votes -- because he explained he didn't undertand what they were proposing.

TRANSCRIPT: COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE CONFERENCE CALL ON HIS RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

March 20, 2006 NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE - NFL.Media.com

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE CONFERENCE CALL ON HIS RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT

THE MODERATOR: Thanks for joining us on relatively short notice. Commissioner Tagliabue will have some opening comments and then we'll go to your questions.

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: Good afternoon, everybody. As you all know, we put out a statement this morning about my decision to step down and I just have a couple of comments and then I'll take your questions.

First of all, I really want to emphasize how much of a privilege it is to spend most of your adult life associated with the National Football League. And that's my way of saying that this is not an easy decision for me because 37 of my 65 years have been involved with the National Football League and it is a great institution with great people across the board and most of all, tremendous fans. So as difficult as the decision is, I also know that it's the right decision and I have no doubt about that. And when I say "right," I mean right for the league, which takes me to sort of the second point.

What I've been trying to do here in my own mind and with discussions over the past two years is to pick a time to make this transition when we would all be in a position to have all of the critical elements of the league in place, and be able to do two things. No. 1 would be to move forward and continue to serve the fans, continue to have the momentum we have on all fronts and do all the things we're trying to do both domestically and internationally; and at the same time, manage the search for my successor with the owners. And I came to the conclusion in the last tens day that this was the opportune time to undertake those twin responsibilities; No. 1, moving forward on everything we're doing; and No. 2, being involved with the search process.

I guess the final thing I would say is that in the last 10 days that I've been thinking about this, it became clearer and clearer to me that in this context, as in some other contexts, uncertainty is the enemy of growth and the enemy of successful operations. Put it the other way around: Uncertainty and speculation runs the risk of paralysis in a good organization and in an organization which is national and international such as our league. That became a real critical factor in my mind and the decision to make this announcement before the League Meeting in the midst of our off-season planning process was designed to eliminate uncertainty, to provide certainty and to enable a lot of things go forward very successfully in 2006 and beyond.

I'd be glad to take your questions.

Q. What do you think is your legacy to the league over your tenure?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: I don't know about legacy, but I think over the years we've accomplished a lot of things. Certainly the expansion of the league to 32 teams; the growth and the popularity of the sport and as part of that the equality of the game growing out of collective bargaining and other things; the fact that we didn't have any season interrupted by strikes or lockouts, all of those things I think are very, very important.

Q. Could you shed some light on how that might unfold in the next couple of weeks?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: How what might unfold?
Q. The search for your eventual replacement.

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: Well, it's a little too early to be very specific about that. But we're going to start on Monday next week at the annual meeting in a conversation with each of the owners of the 32 teams to make sure that that they all participate fully in structuring the process that will lead to the search for my successor.
We'll have more that we can talk to you about next week at the League Meeting after we have that session next Monday with all of the owners.

Q. Were there any surprises or disappointments along the way with the television deals that you struck?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: Any surprises or disappointments on the television deals, I don't think so. I think that the biggest objective we had was to keep the product massed on broadcast television, and certainly there were no surprises in terms of the renewal of CBS and FOX. I guess if there was any surprise as all, it …when all is said, we’re done might be that we ended up with the primetime broadcast package moving from ABC to NBC.
But beyond that, I don't think there were any -- if anything qualifies as a semi-surprise, I guess that would be it.

Q. And going back further, was the proposed rollback in '93 or '94, was that something that you look back at with any regret? I believe you were in favor of a rollback.

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: I still think it would have been the right thing to do, but we could talk about that for another day. I think that it really would have been the right thing to do, and it would not have had -- if anything, it would have had a positive long-term effect, and like I say, that's for another day.

Q. You talked about some things that you had done, but what is the one thing that you're kind of most proud of in your tenure, and did you think it would go like it did back when you got the job 16-plus years ago?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: I guess I'd have to say that turning around the relationship and building a strong relationship with the NFL Players Association would be the thing that I'm most proud of. I think everyone involved in the NFL saw that as a growing negative, and to be able to come in '89 and make that a priority; and then to turn that relationship around and make the players into partners through the Collective Bargaining Agreement and to have the kinds of agreements, CBAs, in place that we have had, now we will be approaching two decades, and I think that's a very positive thing.

Q. I'm specifically interested in how active you will continue to be in New Orleans and the efforts that you've started down here, but I guess for everyone's benefit, can you talk about what your role will continue to be as you move on in the next year or two?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: I don't know about the next year or two. Certainly I intend to continue to be very involved with the Saints and with the Saints' role in the rebuilding and recovery of the Gulf Coast region and the business council in New Orleans. I'm going to be down on April 6 speaking to a number of different groups in New Orleans and perhaps elsewhere in the region.

I spoke to Mr. Benson this morning and assured him that of all the priorities I had both personally and professionally, that the success of the Saints in that context was at the top of the list and I would continue to work very closely with him and the people down there.

Q. With all the new stadiums in place in your tenure, how does that rank in your portfolio, and are there any disappointments with the struggle to get new stadiums in California, with the 49ers, Raiders, Chargers and the L.A. market?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: I think the new stadium theme is very important. It's been a big part of the continued popularity and the growth and popularity of our game and our league.

I remember speaking to the search committee back in the fall of 1989 and saying that the league has to have a much more robust and proactive role in helping teams build stadiums. And then as soon as I became commissioner, I went to Boston and went to Chicago and had public meetings with business and civic leaders, emphasizing that the league would have a role in helping communities partner with NFL teams building stadiums. So that's a very important piece of what we've done, and in the late 90s, we put in our stadium subsidy program to help to participate in the financing of new stadiums.

I guess I would say that any city where we're still struggling with the issue, that's an ongoing priority. It's pleasing to get new stadiums built. It's disappointing when your efforts are not successful. But it's just a measure of an important continuing priority, not just in California, but here in New York with a stadium for the Jets and Giants over in New Jersey and over in the midwest in Minnesota and other places where we're still working on it. Those are important priorities.

Q. Now that you've cleared the CBA and revenue sharing hurdle, does the Los Angeles initiative move up on the list of priorities? And I'm also interested in if you feel that this change might affect the process, whether it will accelerate it or slow the process of getting a team back in Los Angeles.

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: I don't think that my personal situation will have any impact one way or the other. I know from an owners' standpoint that we have had discussions within the past week that moving forward on Los Angeles is a key priority. We are going to be addressing it at the meeting next week. I'm going to be spending time in California in April and probably again in May. We're also expecting to make some decisions in the meetings. I think the main point you made was embedded in your question. With television behind us and the CBA behind us, getting a team or teams back into the Los Angeles area rises right to the top of the list, not only because we have the time to commit to it, but because the foundation, the economic foundations that enable us to look at that type of a challenge and to address it are in place with TV in place and labor in place.

Q. I was wondering for your successor, if you could give us a rough draft on what the challenges might be ahead for him, both, say, in the next couple of years, and as you look at the NFL, ten years down the road.

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: I just spoke to my senior staff about an hour ago and I think that I see it as one of opportunity. I told the staff that we have a lot of things in place, a lot of initiatives underway. We are looking hard at all of the digital media service opportunities. We're looking at the Internet. We're looking at international regular season games. Still more stadium construction; that will be an ongoing priority. Making certain that the new collective bargaining agreement works as it should; there's some new elements in there in terms of how the cap is structured. So I think there are tremendous opportunities.

I've been saying for some years that the face of professional sports will probably change as much in the next ten or 15 years as it's changed in the last 30 to 50 years, and I think a lot of that change is going to be driven by the digital media, the globalization of media, the internationalization of sports and the demographic changes in the United States. I think it's a very exciting time. I wish I was 40 instead of 65.

Q. And also, do you have a successor in mind that you're going to recommend? Your right-hand man has been mentioned as a top candidate.

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: The way we'll approach it is to have a very comprehensive search that will identify both internal candidates, candidates internal to the league, whether it's our own offices or a team, as well as outside candidates in other businesses or other organizations, and to work with the owners to bring the list of multiple, strong candidates to them to evaluate and then start the winnowing out process.

One of my goals as commissioner going back to the early 90s was to expand and build our organization to bring really talented executives in. Two of the first decisions I made were to create the position of NFL president, bringing Neil Austrian in from another business area into that division. I created the division of an executive chairman of the NFL Management Council, brought Harold Henderson in from Amtrak for that position; that was in the early 90s.

And then over the years, we've made it a priority; "we" being me and the owners to have really top executive talent in our organization. And certainly a number of those people get strong consideration as my successor; I'm sure, as well as outsiders.

Q. I'm curious, on your watch there has been great emphasis on making sure that minority candidates get a good look for coaching positions and front office positions with the clubs. Will you see to it in some way that this also happens in the search for your successor?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: Yes, Dan Rooney and I have already talked about that, and that will be one of the key things as we go forward with this search.

Q. Can you say in what kind of way that would take place?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: As I say, Dan and I have already started talking about it. I have had, going back for some months, I've spoken to Jeff Pash, our general counsel, about that. As you know Jeff has been managing the Diversity Committee with Dan, and it's certainly uppermost in our minds what we need to do with this search, what the Diversity Committee has been urging the clubs to do with coaches and front office executives. The specifics are yet to be determined as to how we'll make sure that goal is accomplished.

Q. I wanted to ask you about the timing of this, if the CBA deal had not gone through and you were still in a labor situation, would you have postponed this decision? And No. 2, you remember obviously how your search dragged on longer than what people have expected, and while you've said July, if there was no successor in place by July, would you stay on longer?
COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: On the second question, the answer is yes. July is sort of a target that we set for ourselves when we created this package in my employment contract. But the understanding has always been that if -- that I would stay on until a successor was ready to be in place.

On the first question it's a little bit speculative obviously because we got the CBA extension done, but my guess would be that my decision would have been the same after having created these two paths in my contract. One is a path that would carry me through to 2008 as the commissioner, and the second was this path that gives me the alternative to step down here in the spring of '06 and continue in some other role until 2008 my guess is then I would have chosen that latter path either way in terms of the CBA.

Q. So do you think the owners kind of understood that, and maybe there was more pressure on them to get it done while you were still in command, as opposed to a new person in charge?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: No, I don't think it was a factor at all. It was never discussed and it was never brought up. The owners on my contract committee and I kind of had a task of understanding that whatever I was going to do on my contract, whatever they were going to do on my contract as we move forward this spring, that would be deferred until after the CBA negotiations were done. Either way it would not become a factor in the negotiations.

Q. There were a lot of successes you have had over the years, but if you had to have one do-over, what would that be?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: I would have been able to dribble with my left better than I could.
I don't know, I think I've said before that if we had the benefit of hindsight, we would have made certain that either the Rams or the Raiders stayed in L.A. in the mid-90s. I thought that we were taking all of the steps that we needed to take when we passed that resolution in providing for the stadium in Hollywood Park, and it turned out not to be operative. I guess if you could go back and relive a month, that might be the month where you might do something differently.

Q. There's a rumor that Condoleezza Rice is interested in being Commissioner for the NFL. Can you dispel or confirm that rumor?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: Well, I think she's the one who said publicly she would be interested in the job. I don't know whether that's facetious on her part or not. She was at the Super Bowl this year with us, and she made it very clear she wants the job she has. I think if you really want to have a definitive answer to the question, go to her next press conference.
Q. Is there any sense of urgency with you leaving in July or perhaps a little bit later for your successor to try to get things in L.A. wrapped up before then and before there's change where your successor might do something differently? And also, in all of the years that Los Angeles has been without a team, I was wondering how much credit or blame you might feel for that?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: I think it's the same answer I gave a few minutes ago. Those issues are not personal to me. I think they are institutional and I don't think the urgency on the part of the league to get back there with a successful team or teams is going to be changed by my own personal situation. I think that whatever was the prevailing point of view on L.A. last Friday, it's going to be the same point of view next Friday and the Friday after, but it is a major priority and we'll continue to act on that basis.

Q. You touched on this a little while ago with the regret you had about allowing the Rams or the Raiders to leave, but did you anticipate -- when you look back did you think it would be possible a team would be out of market the size of L.A. for this long?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: As I said, when we adopted that resolution in Hollywood Park we thought that would be adequate to secure that a team would be remaining, but that turned out not to be the case and we've got to figure out how to get it done now.
Q. How great an effort was there made by people in the league to talk you out of this in the last day or days, and if there was a great effort, did you give any serious consideration to reconsider?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: There was no effort made because nobody, other than Dan Rooney, knew what my thinking was likely to be. We had extensive discussions about two years ago when I extended my contract, and at that time, I started those discussions with the idea that I would wrap things up a year ago in May of 2005. And at that time, a number of owners spoke to me and urged me to extend at least through the spring of '06. And those owners who spoke to me rather emphatically included Dan Rooney, Jerry Richardson, Pat Bowlen, Bob Kraft, probably some others.

But once we restructured my contract, they and others I think understood that we had two different paths, as I mentioned earlier, one through the spring of '06, and another through the spring of '08; and that if I decided to step down as commissioner now, I'd make myself available for another two years in other roles as the owners might see fit.

We didn't have any discussions in the last ten days with owners. I did call Dan Rooney in the middle of last week and say that the question I was considering was whether I should announce this decision now, or wait until some time between the end of our March meeting and the beginning of our May league meeting; in other words, put this decision off until sometime in late April or early May.

It seemed to me that eliminating the uncertainty now, letting all of the owners know at the same time what my decision was, and going forward on that basis was the right course of action, and Dan Rooney said that basically it was my call and he would accept whatever judgment I made.

Then I spoke to him this morning and said that it seemed to me, like I said earlier, the biggest enemy here is uncertainty and speculation. The biggest positive is candor, certainty and continuity and the best way we could achieve the latter was to make this announcement now as we go into our league meeting rather than after the league meeting.

Q. As you envision the evolving league economics, what do you think the most tangible aspect of the new revenue sharing model will be in terms of how fans might see an impact on the game and the product?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: I think the revenue sharing model is much more specific than we had in the past in terms of the level of spending that clubs need to plan for as a percentage of their own revenue. I think that's a real positive. I think it gives teams predictability as to their competitiveness in signing players. I think the salary structure will create predictability in the outer limit of player costs. I think that's one important aspect of the new structure.

The second important aspect is the funding of revenue sharing through digital media and the Internet, which provides, pretty well assured, that the funding of revenue sharing will be there and it also avoids or minimizes the potential that those revenue streams would become an additional source of any revenue disparity that could be unsettling.

Q. When you talk about where digital media is going, do you envision a situation where fans could get every NFL game on the Internet? Is that where this is headed, and how does that conflict with what you are doing with your television contract?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: I don't have the answer to that. No one has the answer to that. I don't think it has as much to do with live games as it has to do with other services. I think that certainly through 2011, the live games are going to be focused where they are, on live television, cable and satellite.

I think the digital media in the short term has to do with highlights, has to do with mobile services, has to do with wireless services, has to do with video on demand. But beyond 2011, I think it's pretty speculative as to what happens to live games. But I don't see that the Internet is going to become the all-purpose source for all sports television.

Q. What are you going to miss most about the job?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: Just the excitement of being involved in something that is as much of a major piece of millions of people's lives as the NFL. It's a little bit like the agony of defeat and the triumph of winning. When you do things well, you enjoy the upside. When you stumble, you agonize over the stumbles, but you're an active part and you're involved in shaping what's very exciting for millions and millions of people, which is following NFL football, following the championship race right up to and including the Super Bowl. And also the impact that has on bringing communities together, setting examples for kids and just everything the NFL stands for. It's fun.

Q. A reference was made earlier about staying on past July if need be, do you anticipate as tough a time finding your successor as the owners had finding -- eventually picking you? And was there one moment that you knew this was the right decision; that you made up your mind what you were doing?

COMMISSIONER PAUL TAGLIABUE: I didn't know what to anticipate because we don't have a discussion with the owners until next Monday, so it's really hard to say. But kind of the assumption is that we can work through this in the next four months, and I'll be ready to move on by the end of July. If that turns out not to be the case, that will take us beyond that into the beginning of the regular season.

On the second question, there was no moment. But like I said before, going back to the winter and spring of 2004, I was of the view that as I approached age 65 and 15 or more years of service, that that would be a good run and I would be healthy enough to do some other things in my life. And so I think that this path was kind of charted in the winter and spring of; 04, and then with the success we've had since then, it just seemed like that was it; that it was clearer and clearer that this was a good, opportune time from a league standpoint, as well as my own personal standpoint, to make this transition.
If there was ever a moment in time, I think you'd have to put it back to the winter and spring of '04 when we structured this two-phase contract.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you very much.

Commissioner Tagliabue Will Retire But Stil Be Involved In Several NFL Business Matters

At 1:30 PM PST today, the National Football League held a press conference call to officially announce the retirement of NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. With NFL VP of Public Relations Greg Aiello at his side, Commissioner Tagliabue adroitly fielded questions from the phone-based press corp, including this author.

The vast majority of the queries were on the matter of current NFL business matters regarding the location of a team in Los Angeles "We're prepared to move forward," he said. Tagliabue will also stick around to push that initiative and to stewart the revival of the NFL's Saints' presence in New Orleans. The Commissioner explained that he would be flying to New Orleans in a few weeks on that matter.

Raiders or Rams Leaving LA Only Regret

Commissioner Tagliabue claims his greatest successes as the construction of new stadiums, the expansion of the league, and of course, the recent completion of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). When I asked him what he would like a "do over" on, he said his greatest "do over" opportunity would certainly be the LA matter. "I don't know, I think I've said before that if we had the benefit of hindsight, we would have made certain that either the Rams or the Raiders stayed in L.A. in the mid-90s. I thought that we were taking all of the steps that we needed to take when we passed that resolution in providing for the stadium in Hollywood Park, and it turned out not to be operative. I guess if you could go back and relive a month, that might be the month where you might do something differently."

I asked if the rumors regarding Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's interests in the Commissioner's position were true. "Well," he said, "I think she's the one who said publicly she would be interested in the job. I don't know whether that's facetious on her part or not. She was at the Super Bowl this year with us, and she made it very clear she wants the job she has. I think if you really want to have a definitive answer to the question, go to her next press conference.

A Steady Hand

On a personal level, when I think of Paul Tagliabue, the words "stability," "focus," and "friendliness" come up. They stem from my first NFL Owners Meeting held in Chicago at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare on November 1-3 of 1999. They call it the "Fall Owners Meeting." At any rate, as the head of the effort to bring the Super Bowl to Oakland, I was invited to The Wilson Cocktail Party held that Monday evening and presented by the maker of the footballs used by the league.

I was completely and totally nervous, but decided that I was going to be with other human beings and didn't have to worry about being eaten. I was one of the first to arrive; the other being Dennis Lewin, who was then head of television affairs for the league, and Houston Texans Owner Bob McNair. As we carried on a lively and friendly conversation, the owners trickled in, and finally Commissioner Tagliabue.

The Commissioner has a presense. A fact built in part by his height at 6'7, his celebrity, and mostly his posture. He carries an upright walk, but with a personality devoid of a patrician affect that makes some unapproachable. At the time he walked in, I'd migrated over to a group of owners including Jack Faukner of the LA Rams and Pat Bowlen of the Denver Broncos. Commissioner Tagliabue came over and the first subject on his mind was to give a kind of impromptu attendance report to the group. What struck me was his constant attention to league matters, but in a relaxed way.

When I finally got the chance to meet him, his greeting was warm and sincere. But I most remembered that he looked me in the eye, so I didn't have the impression that he was going through the motions of a party. He was paying attention to every NFL detail, including this new guy who was trying to bring the NFL's marque even to a city containing the league's least popular owner.

My last lengthy meeting with him was on May 10th of 2005 and in a two hour meeting between Super Bowl: Oakland officials, and the Commissioners' senior staff. Again, Paul had the same commanding yet comfortable persona, but let his staff members -- in this case then-NFL Senior Vice President for Special Events Jim Steeg -- do most of the talking. Paul didn't say anything until about 37 minutes into the meeting, the start of which was delayed because Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown came in 10 minutes late. He asked me if I had a financing plan for the new, temporary stadium seats, and I did explain a naming rights concept I developed. He nodded in approval.

After the meeting, he came over, shook my hand,...and looked me right in the eye.

NFL COO - And Friend - Roger Goodell Rumored To Take Over For Tagliabue

NFL Commissioner Search | Roger Goodell Oddsmakers Favorite To Win Job | Roger Goodell Press Conference Transcript

I first met Roger Goodell on the phone. I was instructed to call him by Oakland Raiders Executive Assistant Al LoCasale. At the time, I was Economic Advisor to Oakland Mayor Elihu Harris and was working behind the scenes to reestablish the preseason game between the San Francisco 49ers and The Oakland Raiders. Roger and I spent the first 40 minutes talking about politics before we discussed the matter of the game.

The second time we talked -- and that was on several occasions -- was when I worked to bring the Super Bowl to Oakland. I called Roger to ask what his idea of the best Super Bowl was and why. He told me "It was the 1991 Super Bowl. The Giants v. The Bills. It was right after the Gulf War and their was a great feeling of pride in our country and that was reflected in the way the game was presented, with the airplanes overhead, and the fireworks." What that told me was that the NFL understood it's place in America's culture and how what it does is tied to the mood of America. But what it also told me was that Roger knew this, and perhaps better than most.

I remember seeing Roger as I was setting up the video for our Super Bowl: Oakland presentation to Commissioner Tagliabue in a special meeting we had set on May 10th, 2000 at NFL Headquarters in NYC. Roger came over, and showed me how to work the video machine and we talked early on. Later, he joined Commissioner Tagliabue in our presentation meeting. I remember thinking that Roger never seemed to get caught up in the importance of what he was doing. Indeed, he seemed quite comfortable and always personable.

When I returned home, I got the latest issue of The Sports Business Journal, and learned that Roger had just been promoted to Chief Operating Officer of the NFL.

Roger's sometimes the receipient of the blunt words of a deal maker trying to force an outcome with the always careful NFL. In this case, that person was Hollywood's legendary super agent, Mike Ovitz, whom I met after cold calling him in 1997 with an opportunity to own the Oakland Athletics. I ran into Ovitz, who was trying to land an NFL team in Los Angeles, at Super Bowl XXXV between the Oakland Raiders and the Tampa Bay Bucaneers. I asked Mike how the NFL was treating him. "Terrible. Roger Goodell doesn't want an NFL team in LA." I asked if I could tell Roger that he said that, and he said "Yeah. Tell him I said that."

So, I ran into Milt Aldrich, head of NFL Security, and whom I'd not talked to in a couple of years, and asked "Say, are going to see Roger?" Milt said "As a matter of fact, yes." Well, relay this message to him....

The last tiime I saw Roger was at last year's NFL Draft and at this year's great Super Bowl in Detroit. He always asked how I was doing and never seemed to miss a beat of time at his work.

I can't think of a better person to lead the NFL. I hope he gets the job.

PAUL TAGLIABUE ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT AS NFL COMMISSIONER

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
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Joe Browne, Executive Vice President-Communications
Greg Aiello, Vice President-Public Relations

FOR USE AS DESIRED
NFL-10 3/20/06

PAUL TAGLIABUE ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT AS NFL COMMISSIONER

Commissioner PAUL TAGLIABUE is retiring at the end of July from the position that he has held since late 1989, the NFL announced today.

Tagliabue, 65, called Pittsburgh Steelers owner DAN ROONEY early this morning and told him of his decision. Rooney, the chairman of the ownership committee that negotiated Tagliabue’s last contract extension in 2004, notified all clubs by email at noon (ET).

“I believe that now is a positive time to make the transition to a new commissioner,” Tagliabue said. “We have a collective bargaining extension in place, long-term television contracts, and have undertaken many other strong elements in league and club operations. I am honored to have been commissioner since late 1989 and to have been heavily involved with the league, its owners, clubs, coaches, players, fans and media since 1969.”

NFL owners will begin formal discussions of transition planning and the search for a new commissioner at the NFL Annual Meeting, which begins March 26 in Orlando, Florida.

As part of his contract with the league, Tagliabue will be available to serve in a senior executive/advisory role through May 31, 2008 once a new commissioner is selected.

Under Tagliabue’s leadership, the NFL has grown from 28 to 32 teams, revised its divisional alignment and scheduling formula, operated under successive long-term labor agreements with the NFL Players Association, and maintained its preeminent position in sports television.

During this time, the NFL also has expanded league and team commitments to community service, refocused the NFL’s efforts in developing public-private partnerships for new stadiums, and expanded its international appeal and presence.
In addition, the NFL under Tagliabue has been the new media leader in sports, creating the first leaguewide Internet network for fans and first satellite television subscription service, and launching the NFL Network on cable and satellite television.
Before succeeding the late PETE ROZELLE as the league’s CEO on October 26, 1989, Tagliabue represented the NFL as an attorney in many important areas as a partner at Covington & Burling, a Washington, D.C., law firm, the NFL’s principal outside counsel.
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New Women's Fitness Blog By Debbie Kaplan

My friend Debbie Kaplan's joining SBS with her new blog. Check it out with a click on the title of this post.

The Terrell Owens - Dallas Cowboys Deal; Where's Bill Parcells

There are some sources -- check Pro Football Talk at www.profootballtalk.com -- who believe that the deal to bring Terrell Owens to the Dallas Cowboys was not approved of by Head Coach Bill Parcells.

But of all of these comments I found at the Dallas Cowboys website, the one by Quarterback Drew Bledsoe seems to indicate that Parcells did back the deal. Read on:

IRVING, Texas - The Cowboys' signing of Terrell Owens is undoubtedly one of the biggest NFL stories in recent history.

So here is what they're saying about Owens suddenly becoming a Dallas Cowboy:

Former San Francisco quarterback Jeff Garcia, who once played with Owens, took the high road this week after signing with Philadelphia when asked about the outspoken wide receiver who trashed him before getting traded: "I don't have a problem with the guy. The guy is a tremendous player on the field."

Former Cowboys tight end James Whalen, who spent training camp with the Eagles in 2005: "In my opinion, he's the best player in the NFL. To me, his biggest problem in Philadelphia was that he felt he was owed more money. And Philly wasn't willing to compromise. But I think it can work (in Dallas). If he's happy with his contract, I don't think he's going to be a problem."

Former Cowboys safety George Teague, who decked the celebrating Owens at the 50-yard line during a 2000 regular-season game: "I'm still in a little disbelief. But I know Jerry Jones and I know we want to win football. But for me personally, it's a little disappointing after how his actions a couple of years ago . . . I don't see how anyone can forget."

Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones on the contract given to Owens: "We can both disappoint each other in this agreement. But this is no free lunch to the Dallas Cowboys. We made a commitment to him. That means something."

Terrell Owens when asked about the 2000 incident when he twice celebrated on the 50-yard line star at Texas Stadium: "No disrespect. I am a competitor. I wanted to win. Just as Emmitt [Smith] did when he stood in the star, I am going to embrace it from here on out."

Cowboys quarterback Drew Bledsoe when asked if he was surprised that Bill Parcells would want to sign Owens: "It doesn't surprise me at all. Bill wants to win, just like I do, just like Jerry does, just like all of us. And if there's a chance to make us better, then it doesn't surprise me one bit that he would sign off on this."

Former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin, a good friend of Owens: "In order for the Cowboys to get where they need to get, they need a pure No. 1 receiver, and that's what this guy is. When Drew drops back three, five and seven (yards), he will get open. And the times he's not open, throw it anyway because he can still get it."

"V For Vendetta" - I've Got To See This Movie

Once in a while comes a flick that you've just got to see and believe it's going to be good even befire you've seen it. For me, that movie's "V for Vendetta," the new movie by the creators of the Matrix that features a revenge story by a refugee from a state concentration camp in a "future" view of Britain I hope we never see, and who's objective is to blow up Parlament to establish a new World Order.

Wow.

"People should not fear their governments," V says, "Governments should fear people." I think Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown now understands that with respect to me and my blog. My experience with him should serve as a warning to any elected official who thinks they can treat staffers and employees with extreme disrespect: don't do it, as it will come back to haunt you.

I only hope the movie's as good as real life. We'll see.

A Great St. Patty's Day, Except For Cal Basketball

I'm writing to report I had a terrific St. Patty's Day. I got some work out of the way, not much. I went to San Francisco to meet my long time friend Mike Silver, who brought members of Cal's Women's Swimming Team with him. This isn't the first time I've met them; the first was actually my first Cal Women's Swim Meet where I watched them battle Staford last year. The second time was "The 2005 Little Game" but it also wasn't the greatest episode for me personally as it was very close to the time of the passing of my father, Zenophon Abraham Sr, and so I didn' realize how sensitive I was.

But I can say I was much better Friday night. But as much fun as I had, the one damper was that we watched Cal Basketball's loss to North Carolina State in the NCAA First Round Tournament Game. There are some of my friends who want Cal Head Coach Ben Braun to be replaced by someone who has a better offensive plan for us. While I agree with this on emotional grounds, I don't have an alternative coach to suggest and I don't know enough basketball strategy to say what the best course of action is. (That's a weakness I have to eliminate, as it's not a hard game to understand.)

Aside from the game, I did have a great time with everyone, and even my friends Monte Poole and Renaldo Wanso were there. I have to admit that it's fun to watch the dynamics of the relationships of all of these friends. The women were really nice and fun to be with. I just couldn't stick around because I promised my friend Damon Connolly -- who's running for Assembly -- that I'd attend his fund-raiser in Mill Valley. I hate to tell a friend I'm not going to be somewhere and not arrive.

So, I left everyone right after the game and drove up to Mill Valley, to Wilderness Trial Bikes. There, in a special tent, was the group of Damon's friends. I showed up late, and in obvious "You're a Cal Grad" garb. Plus, yes, I was the only black guy, but unlike other examples in my past, that wasn't even an issue. In other words, I felt zero weird vibes. Zero. That was nice, and make me think that the problem may have been one centered more in the culture of San Francisco. Marin County actually seems to have a society where people mix better and on a more casual level, less tied to business and work.

At any rate, after his event, Damon, his friend Woody, and I had dinner with one of Damon's supporters, a wonderful couple. He white; she black. He about 15 years older than she; they married for 20 years. The place we ate at is one that my dear friend and business partner Kristin Herrera and I have had many lunches at; it's called Rafters in San Rafael. I really recommend this lively joint if you're up there.

While we were eating, this lovely woman walked past my table and had such a great beauty and presence I almost gagged on my food. Wow. She saw me look at her and my reaction and just laughed. It turned out she knew Woody and was the base player in the band at the St. Patty's day party that was going on as we were eating. Nice person -- married, though. Damon and everyone else totally cracked up over my response to her. I couldn't help it. It's me.

I really do hope Damon wins. He's worked really hard and made all the right contacts. Plus, he's a person of integrity and a true believer -- almost like "Mr. Smith Goes to Washinton." He'll do a great job in the California Legislature.

T.O. to The Dallas Cowboys - An "In Your Face" To The Eagles

This is tbe best deal of its kind since free agency was established in the NFL. The kind of deal one always feared. The one that sends a disgruntled, unwanted, but very, very good player to a rival organization.

That deal just happened as Terrell Owens signs a three year contract with The Dallas Cowboys-- read below.


Owens joins Cowboys, signs three-year deal
NFL.com wire reports
IRVING, Texas (March 18, 2006) -- Terrell Owens has gone from stomping on the Dallas Cowboys' star logo to wearing it on his helmet.

The reviled receiver joined the Cowboys, signing a contract to play for Jerry Jones and Bill Parcells in what promises to be an interesting combination of strong personalities.

There's no questioning his talent -- Owens has consistently put up numbers the Cowboys have lacked since Michael Irvin was in the prime of his career a decade ago.

It's his attitude that prompted the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles to get rid of Owens. His relationship with the Eagles soured only months after he led them to the Super Bowl, finally ending with his release March 14.

Details of his contract weren't immediately available, but it was likely to include behavior-related provisions. His blowup with Philadelphia last season even led to new rules regarding punishment being written into the NFL's latest collective-bargaining agreement.

Jones, who built a billion-dollar fortune by taking big risks, is willing to take this one because the Cowboys have gone nine years without winning a playoff game.

Part of the gamble is that fans will warm up to Owens, who launched his flamboyant persona in September 2000 when as a member of the 49ers he celebrated each of two touchdown catches at Texas Stadium by running to the team's star logo at midfield. Safety George Teague secured a spot in team lore by decking Owens after the second one.

On a Monday night game in 2004 best remembered for his pregame skit with a Desperate Housewives actress, Owens celebrated another score by tapping on a logo in the end zone.

Until his behavior limited him to nine games last season, Owens had at least 75 receptions and 1,100 yards receiving in five consecutive seasons. The last time a Cowboys receiver hit both figures in one season was Irvin in 1997.

But Owens also has alienated teammates, coaches and the front office with the things he says and does.

In Dallas, Owens joins a team coming off a 9-7 season that included a 2-4 finish, keeping them from making the playoffs for a second successive season. The Cowboys seem to need more than a star receiver to get over the hump, but do need a main threat after releasing Keyshawn Johnson on March 14.

The team lacks veteran leaders, with captains Dan Campbell and Dat Nguyen already gone, as is La'Roi Glover, another calming influence. Dallas also is in a tough division that includes T.O.-less Philadelphia, the New York Giants hoping to improve as quarterback Eli Manning develops and the Washington Redskins, who have been big spenders in free agency.

The Eagles gave up on Owens only months after he helped them reach the Super Bowl. He demanded a new contract one year into a seven-year deal, then squabbled with quarterback Donovan McNabb.

Before that, Owens forced his way out of San Francisco with repeated hijinks on the field and through disparaging comments about teammates, including quarterback Jeff Garcia.

Jones is no stranger to unpopular moves.

After winning big gambles in real estate and digging for oil wells, he put it all on the line to buy the Cowboys in 1989. Since then, he has fired Tom Landry, forced out Jimmy Johnson, entrusted a championship club to Barry Switzer and given Deion Sanders a $13 million signing bonus.

Jones felt pretty good about his choices when the Cowboys won their third Super Bowl in a four-year span. But that was 1995; Dallas has won only one playoff game since.

He has lost other big gambles along the way, from sticking with Switzer to hiring Chan Gailey, then Dave Campo as head coaches. He also has risked public scorn by releasing franchise icons Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith.

Irvin's off-field woes are the local precedent for taking on Owens. However, while Irvin might have tarnished the team's image, he was a devoted teammate and fan favorite.

When Irvin was returning from a five-game suspension in 1996, he was asked how he expected fans to treat him. Irvin said he only had to score a touchdown to win them back -- and he was right.

Could it be that easy for Owens?


AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Brianna Keilar's Now CNN Anchor / Reporter! YIPPEE!!

Flash! New news on Brianna! Click here!

Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting Brianna Keilar at the 2005 NFL Draft. We had a great, great conversation and stayed in touch, emailing back and forth.

As the link showed, I included her in my account of my NFL Draft trip. As is common with many of SBS' pages, they are highly ranked in particular keyword categories, so the page with her on it was seen quite a bit.

Last fall, some fellow from a New York-based television talent agency contacted me repeatedly asking how he could get in touch with Brianna. I told her about him and she gave me the green light to have him contact her.

Well, she's now anchor on CNN! It could not have happened to a nicer person!

Brianna Keilar Gets More Airtime | Brianna Keilar and Kyra Phillips | Brianna Keilar On CNN Saturday | Brianna Keilar Now CNN Anchor | Brianna Keilar At 2005 NFL Draft