NFL chief proposes cheater crackdown

NEW YORK, March 7 (UPI) -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has proposed a crackdown on pro football cheaters with inspections and easier imposed penalties, a report said.

Goodell said in a memo he wants the National Football League to conduct unannounced inspections of locker rooms, stadium press boxes and in-game communications equipment, the Washington Post said. He also reportedly seeks a provision that lowers the proof needed to penalize a team or individual for cheating.

Goodall said he wants the changes made before next season "to preserve the competitive integrity of the game."

The memo was Goodell's strongest response to the controversy stemming from the videotaping scandal involving the New England Patriots last season, the Post said.

The competition committee, which is the NFL's primary rule-making body, will consider the request next week when it convenes in Naples, Fla,