Back to the New England Patriots Newsfeed

Goodell won't attend Patriots season opener (AFP)

Los Angeles (AFP) - For the first time since he became commissioner in 2006, Roger Goodell will not attend the NFL's season opener involving Tom Brady's New England Patriots, Fox Sports reported.

The NFL season kicks off with the Pittsburgh Steelers facing the Patriots, who will be celebrating their Super Bowl title one week after US judge Richard Berman struck down the league's suspension of Brady.

Goodell had been expected to attend the game at the Patriots' Gillette Stadium to witness the teams' championship banner-raising ceremony firsthand, but after Thursday's court decision Fox Sports reported that an NFL spokesperson said he would not attend.