NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has urged all the players to restrain themselves from entering into any altercation or any sort of violent discussion during the league. After taking over the mantle from Paul Tagliabue, this was Goodell’s first Super Bowl news conference where he addressed issues relating to concussion, player’s health, gambling, sports betting and complaints from retired players regarding their pensions.

During the interview, Goodell referred to instances where players were getting arrested for different offences. He also mentioned the shooting death of Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams. Goodell felt that all brushes with the law reflect NFL’s image and can really cause a great deal of damage to the league as well the sport. Goodell said that the players’ must be educated so that both, the players and the NFL, can benefit. He wanted all the clubs to raise their standards in relation to behavior of the players and wanted clubs to be accountable for the behavior of its players and members.

In order to have a better clarity and understanding, Goodell proposed an individual meeting with players along with NFL Players Association’s Union Chief, Gene Upshaw.

While addressing the issue of Patriots’ linebacker Ted Johnson’s concussion, the commissioner said that more importance had to be given to players health and injuries, especially those related to concussions. He insisted that trainers, doctors and coaches should deal more effectively when it comes to concussions.

Goodell complemented players for abandoning the use of banned substances on the field while stressing that players who were caught using performance enhancing drugs and steroids would be severely dealt with. He also announced that the league would be conducting urine and blood sample tests for the presence of growth hormone.

He was also said that clubs and NFL should conduct more interviews so that minorities can be given off field positions.