The NFL's messaging was finally getting back on track. The Wall Street Journal praised the league's "string of lucrative deals." The Jerry Richardson/Panthers narrative had transformed from investigation surrounding workplace misconduct into effusive reporting about the biggest sports franchise purchase in American history. The catch rule was even being discussed with measured optimism! Then Texans owner Bob McNair spoke, and a pair of NFL controversies flooded back into view.
1) Talking to the media before this week's owners meeting, McNair said he'd spoken with Richardson about the allegations that the Panthers owner had used a racial slur and asked to shave female employees' legs.