But one positive that grew from Spygate was Goodell pushing through a sweeping "Integrity of the Game" resolution at the NFL Owners Meetings in April that puts coaches, staff, front office and ownership on the hook for abiding by the rules.

And, ironically, the negatives of Pacman, Vick and Chris Henry also were turned into positives with the creation of player conduct policies that the league and the players association had a hand in developing.

This goes back to the notion of foresight.

"Part of his agenda coming in was to be very aggressive in doing everything possible to improve the league," said NFL spokesman Greg Aiello. "That was a big part of his mission statement: that the league cannot be complacent and needs to challenge assumptions and the status quo. He believed that anything can be improved and that the worst trap to fall into was complacency. And he hammered that in at the league meeting to all the clubs."

So instead of wrist-slapping (or worse) on player conduct, Goodell gets points for being proactive. And instead of holding up the Patriots as the sole team that might play outside the rules, he got all the franchises to commit to the integrity of the game resolution.

And he's at least given the appearance of a greater level of transparency.

"I think people appreciate candor no matter what field you're talking about," said Pete Kendall, a veteran offensive lineman with the Redskins. "Some commissioners or anyone in a position of authority does the old, 'Problem? What problem?' But he has been candid in addressing them. He's certainly had issues to deal with. I couldn't knock him for what he's done. I am surprised (the union) gave him as much power as we have in (player conduct issues), but the powers that be wanted to do that and I'll go along with it. I think for the most part he's done a good job at least making known to the public what he plans."

Goodell's accessibility has been a trademark so far. He began his tenure with a commitment to visit the facilities of all 32 teams and meet with the organizations. That openness has had a positive impact.

"I've never felt I couldn't interact or talk with him," said Jets offensive lineman D'Brickashaw Ferguson. "Being in any authority position there are opportunities to make mistakes. Human beings are fallible there will be situations that arise. There are so many factors that affect his role and he has to take the information given and work out the best resolution. If they fail at their position, the scrutiny of media and the fans is going to be pretty harsh."

Which is why the dispute between owners and players that's gathering momentum could be the most challenging one Goodell will face.

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Both sides are already beginning to dig in. Players don't want to give back gains made in the CBA negotiated in 2006; the owners have exercised an option to get back to the bargaining table where they will try to do extract just that.

It's easy to envision Goodell winding up looking like Jimmy Carter did when he left office in 1980 once that stuff hits the fan.

But this is what he signed up for. As Aiello pointed out, "He spent 24 years as part of the NFL before he became commissioner. He understood what the job entailed. It's all he ever wanted to do and he relishes it."

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