Goodell: NFL feeling effect of economic times

OAKLAND, Calif. - Even the NFL isn't immune to the nation's economic problems, which concerns commissioner Roger Goodell.

"We're seeing it on a variety of levels. We're seeing it with our sponsors, our partners, our broadcast partners. Clearly our fans are being faced with less disposable income," Goodell said yesterday. "There is a lot of fear out there. We tried to respond to that, in large part, by reducing our playoff ticket prices. We think that's responsive and we want our fans to know we understand."

Goodell attended the Patriots-Raiders game after accepting an invitation from the Raiders. The NFL and the Raiders have had a prickly relationship in the past.

"I think it's better than it's been in many, many years," Goodell said. "I think we're working together on issues and I think we're trying to do things that will benefit the NFL and the Raiders together in the communities that we both represent."

Part of Goodell's trip was geared toward long-term plans regarding a new stadium for the Raiders.

"It's clear, and I think that everyone accepts it, that something has to get done here with a new stadium at some point," he said. "I've had a chance to talk to some of the leadership about how we can help that in that process. There are a lot of passionate fans here, that's clear from talking to the fans."

- MIKE REISS