When you're thrust into litigation, you obviously have to make sure you're prepared to deal with that.

The Oakland Raiders abstained from the voting in each round. Spygate

On September 13 2007 Goodell disciplined the New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick after New England attempted to videotape the defensive signals of the New York Jets on September 9. He officially began his tenure on September 1 2006 just prior to the beginning of the 2006 NFL season.

Commentators have described him as "the most powerful man in sports". Goodell (born February 19 1959) is the Commissioner of the National Football League (NFL) having been chosen to succeed the retiring Paul Tagliabue on August 8 2006. Roger S.