Latest From Jerry Jones on Roger Goodell Contract

It’s already well known that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has his problems with the commissioner Roger Goodell‘s potential contract extension. Jones has already said that most of the NFL’s owners are being “misled” because of a bonus agreement among other things that have been included in the prospective new deal.

Jerry Jones (Vertical)

There’s been speculation that Jones’ recent attempts to block Goodell’s new extension stems somewhat from the ongoing legal battle regarding Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott and the league. However, the Cowboys owner went on record today to dispute that notion, citing other less specific issues, relays Jon Machota of SportsDay.

“This is simply about making sure that all clubs have input into not only the commissioner’s [contract] extension, but also in future years his decisions, Jones said. “We all see how impactful a commissioner’s decision can be in many areas. We’ve given him a lot of power and I think we need the checks and balances of ownership having to actually be in a position to not just suggest but approve of his decisions. That’s what this is about.”

Jones notes that he’s been working with Goodell for a long time and that he’s able to separate his disappointment with the league’s handling of Elliott’s suspension and what’s good for the NFL long-term.

“I’ve been dealing with this commissioner for almost 28 years as an employee of the NFL,” Jones said. “Zeke’s been involved here a year, year and a half. Those are really separate issues as to Zeke. The policy we have that has impacted Zeke is more of my issue with the commissioner.”

The Cowboys owner and general manager noted to Clarence Hill Jr. of the Star Telegram, that his problems with Goodell’s contract extension as currently constructed has less to do with the commissioner and more with the power of the position he holds.

“To a large degree, it’s not about Roger Goodell. It’s about the power of the commissioner as it relates to ownership. To the extent that the ownership hires him, extends him, pays him on an ongoing basis, the ownership should have first-hand approval, each owner, should approve that.”

It would seem that Jones’ problems at least on the surface have more to do with the owners keeping a strong hold on their league rather than not having his start running back for six games at some point this season. However, it is undeniable that Goodell has asserted his power throughout this Elliott suspension process and Jones has said publicly that he’ll support his superstar player all the way. There’s no way to know exactly what the tipping point in negotiations will be, but the NFL and Jerry Jones will certainly have a lot of talking to do over the next months.

 

 

 

 

 

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