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CANTON, Ohio -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell defended himself Friday against criticism that he was too lenient in suspending Ray Rice two games for his "horrible mistake." "We just cant make up the discipline," Goodell said. "It has to be consistent with other cases. And it was in this matter." Goodell stressed that the Baltimore running back has assumed responsibility for his conduct, has no history of assault and is following a court order to enter a diversionary program following his domestic violence arrest. "Weve dealt with it in a serious manner, and were very confident that this young man understands where he is and what he needs to do going forward," Goodell said. "I think whats important here is Ray has taken responsibility for this. Hes been accountable for his actions. He recognizes he made a horrible mistake that is unacceptable by his standards, by our standards. And hes got to work to re-establish himself." Goodell spoke a day before the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony. It was his first opportunity to answer questions regarding Rice since disciplining him July 24. A day earlier, Rice apologized at training camp in his first comments since the suspension. He called his actions "totally inexcusable" and acknowledged he must live with this for the rest of his life. The six-year veteran will miss the Ravens season opener against Cincinnati on Sept. 7 and the Sept. 11 game against Pittsburgh. Rice allegedly struck then-fiancee Janay Palmer, now his wife, on Feb. 15 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The 27-year-old player has been accepted into a diversion program and upon completion could result in the charges being expunged. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended six games in 2010 after being accused of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old college student. That suspension was eventually reduced to four games. Goodell said, unlike Roethlisberger, Rice had not had off-field problems before. "If its a first offence, someone whos had a strong background of being very responsible in the community, doing the right things and not violating other policies or anything else that reflect poorly on the NFL, then we would take that into account," Goodell said. "And when theres a pattern, we also take that into account on the other side." Many critics contend Rices suspension is insufficient when compared to longer suspensions for players who violate the leagues substance abuse policy. Goodell noted there is a policy in place to determine punishment based on the number of times a player tests positive. "You have to respond to facts here. You have a lot of people voicing their opinions," Goodell said. "But I think its important to understand that this is a young man who made a terrible mistake." Goodell also stressed that Rice acknowledged he was wrong and promised to speak out against domestic violence. The commissioner said it was important he had the chance to meet with both the player and Palmer. "What I want to see is success stories," Goodell said. "I want to see people, when they make a mistake, I want to see them take responsibility, be accountable for it and make a difference going forward. I hope thats what Ray Rice is going to do." On other league matters, Goodell declined to comment on possible suspensions for three players implicated in the Miami Dolphins bullying scandal last season, but he said theyve fulfilled league requirements so far. Richie Incognito, Mike Pouncey and John Jerry were all implicated in the episode, which prompted tackle Jonathan Martin to quit the team. "There are different issues with different individuals," Goodell said. "The bottom line is everything is proceeding. Theyre doing what theyve been asked to do. And that we will make individual decisions if necessary." Pouncey is still with the Dolphins. Jerry is with the New York Giants. Incognito, whose troubled relationship with Martin caused the scandal to mushroom, is unsigned. "I would say the one person that has been very responsive and has gone through the program is Richie Incognito," Goodell said. "Were working with his people and monitoring his progress." Adidas Supercolor Blue . JOHNS, N. http://www.airforce1foruk.biz/mens-nike-air-force-one-low-basketball-shoes-team-orange-armory-slate-grey-488298-800.html . Bjoerndalen, who had failed to win any major race for two years before Sochi, writes in a Facebook entry that he is "full of energy and inspiration" after winning the 10-kilometre sprint and mixed relay at last months Olympics. http://www.airforce1foruk.biz/air-huarache-uk-sale.html. The start of the seasons fifth and final major was delayed two hours due to heavy rain in the area. The tournament eventually began, but with water on the greens and the rain persisting, players were called back to the clubhouse less than an hour after the first group teed off. Nike Air Force 1 Sale Cheap .J. -- After getting permission from his 7-year-old daughter, New York Giants offensive lineman David Diehl has retired after an 11-year career that included two Super Bowl championships. Adidas Superstar Pink . It was just time for him to make a big play. Nicolas Batum had 20 points and 10 rebounds, Wesley Matthews scored 18 points, and the Trail Blazers overcame poor-shooting nights by two of their best players in a 94-90 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday.TAMPA, Fla. - Winning could hurt Tampa Bays chances of landing the No. 1 overall selection in the 2015 NFL draft.However, coach Lovie Smith expects his team to practice well and do everything it can to close out a disappointing season with a victory.At 2-13 heading into next Sundays finale against the New Orleans Saints (6-9), the Bucs own the NFCs worst record and will pick no worse than second.The Tennessee Titans (2-13) are the other team in the running for the top pick.Smith noted Monday that his players have one more opportunity to not only avoid going winless at home, but also leave a lasting impression one way or another on the staff making evaluations heading into what promises to be another off-season of change.First-year general manager Jason Licht and Smith overhauled much of the roster after being hired last winter, including using the entire 2014 draft to bolster an offence that continues to sputter.The Bucs drooped to 31st in total offence after managing a season-low 109 net yards in a 20-3 loss to Green Bay.Smith rejects the notion it would ever be advantageous for a team to enter a game hoping to improve or preserve its projected spot in the draft.Ive kind of answered that question a few times. I think were going to end up in good position to get some good players. So to me, that cant even come into the equation, Smith said.(Against the Packers), even though we didnt play as well, guys fought right up until the end, the coach added. They werent thinking about that pick or anything like that. This week were going to do the same thing.Regardless of where the Bucs finish, they undoubtedly will feel pressure to consider seleecting a quarterback.dddddddddddd. Josh McCown, a career backup Smith brought in to be the starter, is the leagues lowest-rated passer.The coach is quick to point out that McCowns play isnt the only reason for Tampa Bays problems. The running game has been inconsistent and a porous offensive line has had difficulty protecting the passer.The Packers had seven sacks Sunday, and McCown was hit on five other occasions.While Smith has been encouraged by the development of the teams top three draft picks — receiver Mike Evans, tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins and running back Charles Sims — he is looking forward to improving the roster with an additional infusion of young talent next season.If you have to be down here, you need to get something from it, Smith said, alluding to the impending draft position.We have a full allotment of draft picks. We have an excellent staff that evaluates guys, the coach added. Thats the positive if you look at it. ... If you have to be down where we are, why not get your choice of a few of the best players available in the draft?Smith doesnt anticipate any difficulty motivating his players this week. In addition to being 0-7 at home, the Bucs are 0-5 against NFC South rivals, including a 37-31 overtime loss at New Orleans in October.We do want to finish it up the right way. I think all our guys realize that, Smith said, adding the players are not worried about where the team winds up in the draft.Were going to make decisions, the coach said, that give us the best chance to win ... and let everything else take care of itself.___Online:AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Jerseys From China Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys ' ' '