Roger Goodell Comments on NFL in LA, Officiating and More

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with reporters Wednesday at the league's December meeting in Irving, Texas, and addressed the potential relocation of franchises to Los Angeles, officiating and other hot-button issues as the regular season winds down. 

Here's a look at what Goodell and some of the league's most influential owners had to say when the microphones were on.     

Los Angeles Relocation

Goodell told assembled media members that owners had a lengthy discussion about the potential relocation of the St. Louis Rams, San Diego Chargers or Oakland Raiders, and the most notable tidbit revolved around San Diego's ability to retain its franchise with pressure mounting, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune's Kevin Acee: 

NFL Network's Albert Breer provided a comprehensive breakdown of where all three franchises stand as it pertains to relocation: 

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay told reporters proposals could be on the table regarding the relocation of more than one franchise, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport: 

According to Breer, Goodell was unsure whether the owners would vote on relocation when the league holds its next meeting on Jan. 12-13 in Houston. However, New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch told reporters, "I do believe there is a strong hope a vote will come out of that meeting," per Acee. 

But even if a vote is held, one owner wasn't terribly optimistic a speedy solution will materialize. 

"It's hard to see one of the proposals as getting 24 votes," Irsay said, according to NFL.com's Marc Sessler. "I don't think we're extremely close right now."

At any rate, clarity will emerge one way or the other at next month's meeting in Houston. 

Officiating and Parity

From missed calls to confusion regarding the clarity of the NFL's catch rule, the league's officiating has been under the microscope throughout the 2015 season. 

As a result, Goodell told reporters "no stone will be left unturned" as the league searches for ways to improve officiating, according to Around the NFL on Twitter. However, the commissioner reiterated his support for NFL referees put in tight spots week after week. 

"I think our officials do an extraordinary job...we all recognize officials are going to make mistakes," Goodell added, per Around the NFL. 

Additionally, Goodell provided an explanation for increased public outrage when it comes to the performance of officials, according to Around the NFL: 

Goodell also offered an update on making referees full-time league employees, according to NFL Network's Dan Hellie:

The NFL's most recent refereeing controversy came when the league reportedly reassigned Pete Morelli's crew from an upcoming Sunday night clash on Dec. 6 between the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio. 

Morelli's officiating unit had a shaky outing during last Sunday's showdown with the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers, and players didn't hide their frustration when it came to evaluating the referees' performance. 

"I'm not really too worried about getting fined," 49ers left guard Alex Boone said, per ESPN.com's Paul Gutierrez. "I thought those refs sucked."

Goodell also briefly mentioned the sense of parity that's enveloped the league, but as Sporting News' Ron Clements noted, parity could be used as a euphemism for mediocrity this season.

Entering Week 13, a meager 14 of 32 teams (43.8 percent) boast records over. 500, while the NFC East doesn't own a single team with an even or winning record.

Rather than parity, the NFL has seemingly transformed into a top-heavy operation this season with a few viable title contenders like the New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals, Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers separating themselves from a less qualified group of also-rans.