Goodell praised for tackling NFL problems

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. sports experts are praising NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for his steadfast approach to dealing with his league's ongoing problems.

Among those applauding Goodell's efforts to date has been David Carter, executive director of the University of Southern California's Sports Business Institute, The Washington Post said Sunday.

"He has succinctly delivered a message of what the NFL stands for and what it expects," Carter said. "He understands that falling short on these issues would hurt his brand and hurt the owners' ability to generate revenues for their franchises."

Among the issues Goodell has had to tackle since taking charge of the league have been the growing number of substance use violations and the arrest of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.

Goodell has reacted to such violations with numerous suspensions and fines, a move some players suggest could only intensify the problem.

The Post said players such as Philadelphia Eagles star Donovan McNabb suggest taking troubled players out of their team's structured order would only hinder those individuals' ability to lead a normal life.