Dan Patrick says Roger Goodell has avoided him for 20 years. He’s not bothered by it. In fact, he’s proud of it.
What We Know: Roger Goodell hasn’t joined The Dan Patrick Show since the program launched over two decades ago. Meanwhile, other league commissioners have made appearances, including NBA commissioner Adam Silver and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred. Patrick raised the topic during a conversation with Dan Le Batard. Patrick admitted he still doesn’t know an exact reasoning why Goodell has not appeared, but he does own a sense of pride with it.
What They Said: (All quotes via The Dan Le Batard Show):
Dan Patrick on Roger Goodell not appearing on his radio show: “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the NFL commissioner has not been on my show in 20 years. The other commissioners have. Adam Silver, Rob Manfred. I don’t know if it’s my line of questioning. There has to be something there. Nobody’s told me that, but I take pride in it.”
Dan Patrick on why he would welcome an interview with Roger Goodell: “No one’s ever said anything. He hasn’t said anything to me, and he doesn’t owe me anything. I want answers. We try to we go after everybody. My Booker Fritzy will go after everybody. I want to give you a fair shake on this. Whoever it is, let’s get the other side of the story. I just don’t want to go or always say, hey, we reached out and we were told you know they weren’t available, At least reach out. I just want to be fair.”
Dan Patrick on how he approaches any interview with any subject: “What is going to differentiate me from them? What are the answers that I’m going to get? It’s going to be I’m going to be prepared. I’ll be better prepared. At least that’s always my goal. I will ask the right question, and hopefully get the right answer.”
What Remains Unclear: The NFL has not commented on why Goodell has yet to make an appearance on the program. Whether or not Patrick’s program has reached out recently is also unknown.
What It Means: The lack of appearances by Goodell on Patrick’s program gives a perspective that Patrick may confront the commissioner on league matters. Whether or not the NFL cares for that sense of perspective is unknown. However, Patrick insists he isn’t chasing a gotcha, just a fair interview. His approach, he says, comes down to preparation and asking sharp questions. Ultimately, a 20-year silence speaks louder than any answer would.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.