NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed questions regarding New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch and his correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a press conference ahead of Super Bowl LX. Goodell emphasized a careful, fact-based approach, stating the league would first review the documents and context before considering any disciplinary action.
“Absolutely, we are going to look at all the facts,” Goodell said. “We will look at all the context of those. We’ll try to understand that and see how it falls under the policy. One step at a time. Let’s get to facts first.”
Goodell Reviews Epstein Emails, NFL Considers Investigation Under Personal Conduct Policy
When asked whether the NFL had opened an investigation or whether other owners might be implicated, Goodell replied that he was still reviewing the situation. “I don’t even know the status of all the releases,” he said. “I know that 3 million documents came out last week. We will continue to follow the facts and determine whether an investigation is necessary.”
Steve Tisch Epstein (NFL)The commissioner acknowledged that the Epstein revelations could reflect on the league, but he stressed that the NFL’s personal conduct policy exists to guide responses to such matters. The league also issued a statement confirming it was aware of reports regarding Tisch and that its office would examine the facts.
The controversy centers on emails released last week as part of a Justice Department dump of more than 3 million documents connected to Epstein’s criminal investigation. Some emails between Tisch and Epstein appeared to discuss women. One April 2013 exchange showed Tisch asking whether a woman was “pro or civilian,” with Epstein explaining she had been contacted by his team but was “freaked by the age difference.” Another June 2013 email suggested a potential meeting in New York.
Tisch Denies Wrongdoing, NFL Weighs Policy Response Amid Epstein Document Fallout
Tisch, whose family owns roughly 45 percent of the Giants, issued a statement distancing himself from Epstein. He said their exchanges were brief, involved only adult women, movies, philanthropy, and investments, and that he never visited Epstein’s private island. Tisch expressed regret over the association, calling Epstein a “terrible person.”
Epstein, convicted for sex trafficking minors, died in a Manhattan federal jail cell on August 10, 2019, in an apparent suicide while facing up to 45 years in prison.
The NFL’s response to the Tisch situation will be measured, according to Goodell, who emphasized the league’s commitment to following the facts before taking any steps. The focus will be on whether Tisch’s interactions fall under the personal conduct policy, and whether additional action or scrutiny is warranted. The case highlights the challenge the NFL faces in addressing the reputational and ethical questions raised by the release of these extensive legal documents.
