Goodell: 34 teams likely if LA included

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By BARRY WILNER, Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Commissioner Roger Goodell says if the NFL puts a team in Los Angeles, it is probable the league would expand to 34 franchises.




Goodell says there are several issues that must be solved in LA, particularly which of two current stadium proposals is best. He didn't suggest any timetable for returning to Southern California.


"We're in a leadership position in sports. People look up to the National Football League," he said. "We do have a game that's rough. There are inherent risks playing it. But the second-highest incident of concussions is girls' soccer. So what we're learning about concussions in football is helping other sports. Not just every level of football, but every other sport.


Earlier in the program, Patriots owner Robert Kraft and several current and former players were asked about lawsuits against the league by ex-players who claim they weren't warned about or protected enough against brain trauma during their careers.


"We have to protect our players," Kraft said. "The league is very strong in this area and I hope we are prolonging careers" with the NFL's concussion research."

Added Colts center Jeff Saturday, a member of the players' union executive board: "The reality is we don't know what kind of damage it is doing long term. It's the biggest problem we face in the NFL now."
