For the second time in two days, National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell is apologizing to football fans for three weeks of replacement officials calling regular season games.
The first apology came on Thursday, just hours after the league and referees reached an agreement.
"Obviously when you go through something like this it is painful for everybody," he said on a conference call Thursday, about 12 hours after the league reached a deal to bring back the regular officials.
"Most importantly, it is painful for our fans. We are sorry to have to put our fans through that, but it is something that in the short term you sometimes have to do to make sure you get the right kind of deal for the long term and make sure you continue to grow the game."
On Friday morning, Goodell sent out an email to football fans.
"The National Football League is at its best when the focus is on the players and the action on the field, not on labor negotiations," he said. "All of us who love the sport appreciate the skills and dedication of the players and coaches. That is why we are focused not just on what happens on the field but what our game will be like in another decade or two. The NFL has always tried to look ahead, to innovate, and to constantly improve in all we do."
Goodell insisted the timing of the deal was not a reaction to the outcry over "Monday Night Football" due to a missed call on the final play cost the Green Bay Packers in their loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Although he did acknowledged that game "may have pushed the parties further along."
"I believe in accountability, not excuses," Goodell said in his email. "And I regret we were not able to secure an agreement sooner in the process and avoid the unfortunate distractions to the game. You deserve better."
The new agreement gives long-term stability to an important aspect of the game, officiating, Goodell stated.
He said that officiating will be better in the long run.
"While the financial issues received the most attention, these negotiations were much more about long-term reforms," Goodell's email stated. "For example, beginning with the 2013 season, the NFL will have the option of hiring a number of officials on a full-time basis to work year-round, including on the field."
As a part of the agreement, the NFL will have the option to retain additional officials for training and development purposes, and may assign those additional officials to work NFL games.
"We are moving forward with the finest officials in sports back on the field," Goodell said. "It's time to put the focus where it belongs – on the clubs and players and our magnificent game, with a special thanks to our fans for their passion."
