In an emotional interview forward of Thursday night time’s NFL preseason opener between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Detroit Lions, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the shooting earlier this week that focused NFL headquarters, killing 4.
Goodell wasn’t on the recreation, as an alternative staying in New York Metropolis to attend the funeral of NYPD officer Didarul Islam, who died within the assault together with a safety guard, an actual property agency worker and an funding agency govt.
“Large loss,” Goodell said, reflecting on the loss of life of Islam, a father of two with a 3rd on the way in which.
“You see the officer’s household, his younger kids. It’s one thing that occurs within the line of labor for law enforcement officials, however that by no means makes it simple. He was made a detective first grade right this moment. It’s an honor and a promotion, which is nicely deserved for his bravery. …
“It hits dwelling — the loss, the pointless and unexplainable loss. … So, it was a tough, emotional afternoon but in addition an amazing, heartwarming service for him.”
An NFL worker was additionally significantly injured within the assault. Goodell stated he spent about an hour together with his co-worker Wednesday at a hospital in New York, describing his situation as “secure and bettering.”
“He has a younger household. I had an opportunity to satisfy his brother and fogeys, and I feel it’s one thing that’s actually onerous for all of us to know and to cope with,” stated Goodell, his voice quivering.
The 27-year-old shooter meant to focus on NFL headquarters however took the fallacious elevator, officers stated Tuesday. A notice discovered on the gunman’s physique claimed he suffered from power traumatic encephalopathy, a mind illness linked to repetitive head accidents like these suffered by NFL gamers.
The shooter performed highschool soccer a number of a long time in the past however by no means within the NFL.
Goodell didn’t deal with the CTE declare immediately when requested by NBC’s Mike Tirico, as an alternative lamenting the violence.
“There are not any excuses for these mindless acts,” Goodell stated. “They’re onerous for all of us to know when it inflicts ache on folks you understand and folks you care about and folks that we cope with every day. That’s notably onerous.
“However as you understand, these acts of mindless violence and hatred are taking place round our nation, and our world, far too typically — in colleges, in church buildings and in synagogues, and different locations,” Goodell continued. “This could simply not be taking place, however all of us need to proceed to be vigilant and do what we will to guard ourselves, and the NFL’s going to do this with our workers and with our folks.”
