Goodell will wait on Bridges
Commissioner wants more information before he weighs in on Panther's arrest.
By Charles Chandler
cchandler@charlotteobserver.com
Posted: Tuesday, Dec. 09, 2008
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/gameday/story/402435.html
The Panthers deactivated Bridges for their Monday night game against Tampa Bay, the first time he has been inactive for non-health reasons all season. He was arrested Sunday night on misdemeanor charges of simple assault and battery and communicating threats related to a Saturday night incident at a Charlotte restaurant involving a bouncer.
His attorney said he expected to plead not guilty and has denied the allegations.
“I just heard about it this morning,” Goodell told reporters before the game. “It's something obviously we're going to follow. When we get all the facts, then we'll see where we are.”
Panthers general manager Marty Hurney said before the game that the Panthers were gathering more information before determining how to respond to Bridges' arrest.
Bridges turned himself into police Sunday night after warrants were issued. He later was released after posting $2,500 in secured bounds.
This isn't Bridges' first legal trouble, which could result in the league and/or team taking disciplinary action.
He was suspended for the first two games of last season after getting arrested on charges that he pointed a handgun at a woman outside a Charlotte strip club. He pleaded not guilty but was convicted.
Goodell said he'll take into account the fact that it is Bridges' second offense.
“It's part of our (player conduct) policy,” he said. “We were very clear that a first offense is different than multiple offenses. The policy considers that issue, so it is a factor.”
Goodell said the policy, which was made more strict last year and has resulted in numerous suspensions, has resulted in fewer players getting into trouble off the field.
“Our players are more aware of it,” he said. “I think they recognize they're going to be held accountable. But you do have people who are going to make mistakes, and that is unfortunate. It reflects poorly on all of our other players and the NFL in general.”
Players carrying guns has become a national issue in the past week after New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself in the leg at a New York club. Burress was charged with carrying a handgun without a license. He won't play anymore this season and faces a potential minimum jail sentence of 31/2 years.
Goodell urged players to stay away from places they consider unsafe.
“We have a very strict gun policy,” he said. “Obviously, there is a constitutional issue there. We've tried to strike a balance with the gun policy.
“The real issue to me is when players feel they are unsafe, they shouldn't be there, so get out, don't be there. If you feel you need a firearm to be someplace, you're in the wrong place.”
On a lighter note, Goodell was able to enjoy the game and tend to some personal business while in Charlotte.
Before arriving at Bank of America Stadium for Monday night's game, Goodell said he visited with Panthers owner Jerry Richardson at Carolinas Medical Center. Richardson was re-admitted to the hospital this week after recently having a pacemaker/defibrillator implanted in his chest.
“I … had a chance to spend about an hour with him,” said Goodell.
When asked if he expects Richardson to continue to take an active role in league matters, Goodell said: “He certainly intends on doing it. I wouldn't doubt Jerry Richardson. Yes, I think he will.”
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