McCain: Goodell has ‘credibility issues’

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) says Roger Goodell has “some credibility issues” and recommends the NFL commissioner give former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice — who has been floated as a possible replacement — a call.

Goodell has been under fire for the way his league handled the punishment for former Baltimore Ravens player Ray Rice after a domestic violence incident.

{mosads}The running back had been suspended by the NFL for two games, before video of him punching his now-wife inside an Atlantic City, N.J. elevator was made public earlier this week. After the release of the graphic video, the Ravens canceled Rice’s contract, and the NFL suspended him indefinitely.

When asked Tuesday if Condoleezza Rice would make a good commissioner, McCain told SplashNewsOnline.com, “I think that would be up to the owners, but I think that Mr. Goodell now has some credibility issues.”

McCain said of the former George W. Bush administration official, an admitted football fanatic who expressed interest in the job before, “I also think that Condoleezza Rice would be a good person for him to call in and have a discussion with. I think she could help.”

A Washington Post editorial called Rice, 59, the “one person who could save the NFL.” She has also received lots of support on social media for the gig.

Responding Tuesday to a question from The Hill on whether Goodell should resign, Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) replied, “I think he should consider it seriously.”