Let’s start out this one by saying we don’t know exactly what to make of it.
Speaking to Pittsburgh reporters on Thursday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sure made it sound possible that Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension could be reduced below the minimum four games originally prescribed. (Roethlisberger’s maximum suspension remains six games.)
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that Goodell was asked if the suspension could go below four games. Goodell responded: “I’ll make that decision later this month, but that’s the way it was designed. We’ll evaluate all of that at the end of the month.”
The fact the question was asked tells us a reporter caught wind of the possibility. We wouldn’t have thought it was even an option based on precedent.
This could just be Goodell using vague language out of habit. Again, we’re not sure if something was lost in translation here. But asked to clarify, Goodell essentially chose not to.
“We’ll make that decision on what the suspension is going to be at the end of the month.”
Goodell said on Wednesday that Roethlisberger has done all he’s been asked “and more.” Could “more” lead to a suspension reduction bigger than anyone imagined?
UPDATE: Nope. The league quickly cleared up the confusion. It’s still 4-6 games.