DETROIT -- The NFL isn't without its blemishes, to be kind, but it's got just about everything on the NHL.
From the moment Jesse James' catch at Heinz Field became a non-catch, Roger Goodell -- I know, I know, just hold your nose and we'll get through this sentence together -- had his people perfectly aligned with a plan: Call pretty much everything a catch the rest of the season and into the Super Bowl, and we'll work together toward a smart long-term solution.
Al Riveron, the NFL's Senior Vice President of Officiating and the target of continent-wide ire for a slew of these catch overturns, didn't run or hide. He answered all questions coolly and calmly at the time and beyond. And all through this offseason, he's communicated through his own Twitter account and that of NFL Football Operations every step of the way. The league engaged a group of 'NFL legends,' as well as all levels of owners, GMs, players and the union itself.
This was from Riveron before the NFL meetings began this past week in Orlando, Fla.
.@NFL Competition Committee proposal noted in the previous tweet simplifies the catch process & allows for plays such as the @DezBryant (2014 post-season) and @JJames18_ (2017 season) to become catches. pic.twitter.com/K2caIndpGZ
— Al Riveron (@alriveron) March 21, 2018
They even published ideas from individual teams, most of which could never reach fruition, just to enhance the discussion.
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