Roger Goodell Admits Mistake, Announces Changes to NFL Policy

After public outcry, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced Thursday in a detailed letter to NFL owners, that effective immediately, violations regarding assault, battery, domestic violence, or sexual assault will result in an automatic six-game suspension, with a lifetime ban for a second offense.

"My disciplinary decision led the public to question our sincerity, our commitment, and whether we understood the toll that domestic violence inflicts," Goodell wrote. "I take responsibility both for the decision and for ensuring that our actions in the future properly reflect our values.

Intense criticism has showered Goodell for weeks, and now admits to making a mistake in the way he handled the matter involving Ray Rice, after his two-game suspension was viewed as a soft punishment, while giving the appearance that the NFL did not take these types of legal matters seriously.

This update to the policy had the approval of all 32 NFL owners.

Second-time offenders will be allowed to petition for reinstatement after one year, however, "there will be no presumption or assurance that the petition will be granted."

This new policy applies to all NFL personnel, not just the players.

Goodell also wrote in his letter that he will "continue to maintain strong policies regarding weapons offenses," while working on strengthening the punishments to impaired driving.

"I didn't get it right," Goodell wrote. "Simply put, we have to do better. And we will"

What do you think? Did Goodell get it right this time?