Goodell Doing Well As NFL Commissioner, Reports AHN's "Random Sports Thoughts"

Wellington, FL. (AHN) - Commissioners in professional sports can often be figureheads, barely overseeing their respective sport while things deteriorate below them. That is clearly not the case with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, though.

Goodell has been front and center when it comes to cleaning up the NFL; taking on the issue of players possibly using gang signs and at least fining and seizing draft picks from the New England Patriots for their embarrassing behavior during "videogate".

Goodell won't allow his product to be stained by players, coaches or management running roughshod and is at least trying to take a proactive stance.

The NFL also has perhaps the best "grass roots" system to grow its sport among American youth, with programs like "Punt, Pass and Kick" and flag football events throughout the country.

The NFL even had writers submit high school football reports from across America through last year, though that program appears to have been terminated.

Kudos Commissioner Goodell for truly leading the NFL, no wonder football has become America's favorite sport.

SELIG STRUGGLES AS MLB COMMISSIONER

MLB Commissioner Bud Selig, on the other hand, is pleased that attendance figures in his sport are as high as ever and that is a good thing.

Baseball's viewer-unfriendly postseason starts of 8 p.m. are bad for the sport, however, as children can't/won't stay up until 11:30 p.m. to catch the end of a game, no matter how compelling it is.

It should also be troubling for the future of the sport that inner-city youths, who could really help the game grow, are priced out of playing due to the expense of equipment.

Baseball is just not as exciting to them, either, though that problem may never be able to be addressed.

It is much easier for youngsters to pick up a basketball, find a hoop and start playing a game that is fun and has more physical contact.

As for Selig's handling or mishandling of the "Steroid Era"? I won't even go there...

A STERN WARNING FOR THE NBA

NBA Commissioner David Stern is no Goodell when it comes to running a league, either, and that is a shame considering how much longer he has been on the job.

Stern has spent nearly a quarter of a century at the helm, versus just two years for Goodell.

While Stern has been traveling the world growing the NBA, the league has been rotting to some extent below him.

Attendance and TV ratings are still healthy, but the matter with former official Tim Donaghy has been an embarrassment that has not gone away.

Donaghy allegedly "miscalled" several games during his 13 years in the league and a recent revelation indicates he may have involved another referee in his illegal activities.

A stronger statement by Stern against the Knicks, located just down the block from NBA headquarters in Manhattan, would have been productive, too.

Isiah Thomas, Stephon Marbury and Charles Dolan embarrassed the game last season and Stern offered little in the way of rebuke.

Like MLB, the NBA also needs to concerned about playoff games starting too late at night.

The most exciting part of the game, the fourth quarter, too often turns into a dull free-throw shooting contest, though that too will be difficult to address.

But more effort, in the right areas, by Selig and Stern would go a long way toward improving their respective sports. I'll address the NHL in a future column.

Agree or disagree with any of my "Random Sports Thoughts"? Let me know via e-mail at mattaug@allheadlinenews.com

"Random Sports Thoughts" is the sole opinion of the author.