NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admits year of 'soul searching'

PHOENIX — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted Friday that the league's tumultuous 2014 season has led to a "a lot of soul searching."

But despite heavy criticism about his job performance following an investigation into his handling of domestic violence incidents involving players, Goodell said during his annual state of the NFL address preceding the Super Bowl that he had no plans to resign. Nor would he say if he deserved a pay cut, saying that's up to his bosses, the NFL owners.

"Listen, it has been a tough year. It has been a tough year for me personally. It's been a year of I would say humility and learning," Goodell said. "We obviously, as an organization, have gone through adversity. But more importantly, it's been adversity for me. That is something where we take that seriously.

"It's an opportunity for us to get better. It's an opportunity for us and for our organization to get better, so we've all done a lot of soul searching, starting with yours truly. We have taken action."

Goodell spoke for 48 minutes and took questions on a variety of topics, including several queries about the Deflategate investigation into the New England Patriots' use of underinflated footballs during the AFC Championship Games. He also addressed potential relocation of teams to Los Angeles, the international popularity of the NFL, and even Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, who made headlines again this week for his lack of participation in Super Bowl week media sessions.

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Some of the highlights from Goodell's Q&A session:

— On the Deflategate investigation: "Ted Wells and our staff have been hard at work, conducting a thorough investigation. We take seriously anything that impacts the integrity of the game," Goodell said. "We are focusing on two questions: Why were footballs used in the game that were not in compliance with the rules, and was this a result of a deliberate action? We have made no judgment on these points, and we will not compromise the investigation by engaging in speculation."

— Goodell was asked about the demand made earlier this week by Patriots owner Robert Kraft that the league issuehis franchise an apology should the Deflategate investigation absolve the team of any wrongdoing. "This is my job. This is my responsibility to protect the integrity of the game," Goodell said.

— As for Lynch, the commissioner said the league has not yet determined if the running back will be fined for wearing an unlicensed hat during his mandatory media interviews this week. Regarding Lynch's decision to not answer questions, Goodell pointed out that every other player from the Seahawks and Patriots is "cooperating" this week.

— Goodell did not agree with a question about a perceived conflict of interest created by the league's hiring firms and attorneys to conduct investigations even though they had league connections. "I think we have had people who have had uncompromising integrity," Goodell said. "Their integrity is impeccable."

— Goodell drew a few snickers from reporters in the audience when he said that he is "available to the media almost every day." Earlier this week, outspoken Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman suggested that Goodell be required to hold media sessions every week, just like players are required to do.

— Goodell was asked about Sherman's allegation earlier this week that the league likely would not punish the Patriots because of Goodell's close relationship with Kraft. "It's not unusual that I work closely with ownership," Goodell replied, noting Kraft is on many high-profile ownership committees, "since he knows me so well and knows that I am not going to do anything to compromise the integrity of the league."

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Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones