"I think from our standpoint, we want to make sure that our players have the safest possible environment in which to play," said Goodell. "We have spent a great deal of time and energy on the concussion issue. We've had a concussion committee that has been studying this issue from a medical standpoint, including 12 doctors -- five from the outside and seven from the NFL -- that have been looking at this issue and trying to see what it is we can learn about concussions that would be helpful as we go forward, and that's led to new helmet designs, that's led to rules changes, and I think a safer environment for our players.
"I didn't know about the Ted Johnson issue until yesterday afternoon. I would like to know about this further in advance so we can identify these issues further in advance. That disappoints me."
Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who arrived in South Florida and attended Goodell's press conference, said, "Ted is one of my favorite players. I have a deep affection for him. He's having a lot of problems. He's in my thoughts and prayers."
Johnson told the Globe he suffered countless head injuries during his 10-year career with the Patriots, including back-to-back concussions suffered within days during the 2002 season, when he said the team didn't give him time to recover. Johnson is suffering from severe depression and said, "I don't want anyone to end up like me."
Goodell said a coach's decision should never be allowed to override a medical decision.
"I certainly hope that we will obviously look into this issue . . . that our coaches are always looking out for the medical and the well-being of their players," Goodell said. "I don't think competitive issues should ever override medical issues. So if there's a medical determination that someone should not participate, they should not participate. It is a touchy issue, particularly concussions, when evaluations have to be made about the severity of a concussion. We don't know an awful lot about them despite our study for the last 10 years.
