Ordinarily, statements of support for a leader whose leadership is under investigation would come only after that investigation cleared the leader of any wrongdoing. In the case of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the owners who are his bosses are already expressing their support, as the investigation into the league’s handling of the Ray Rice case is just beginning.
Several owners have spoken out on behalf of Goodell, and one of the strongest statements yet was sent out by the Bears today on behalf of Chairman George H. McCaskey and his family, the descendants of Bears founder George Halas who have run the Bears since Halas died.
“We welcome the independent investigation to understand the handling of evidence in the Ray Rice domestic violence case. It is important to know the facts. NFL fans deserve them,” McCaskey said. “Our family has complete faith in the Commissioner. He is a man of integrity and has acknowledged the initial response to Mr. Rice’s situation was inadequate. We agreed with his assessment and were encouraged he took measures to take a much stronger stance on domestic violence. We believe in the importance of the NFL’s position as a leader in the community and expect the League, and its teams, to meet the high standards that come with this responsibility.”
Statements of support for Goodell tend to praise Goodell for acknowledging that his initial response to the Rice case was inadequate, without stopping to consider whether Goodell himself should face any consequences for that inadequate response. Apparently the owners will remain on Goodell’s side despite the way he botched the Rice case, just as long as Goodell doesn’t do anything to damage the profitability of their franchises.