Goodell Responds to Shanahan’s Criticism of Melbourne Trip
Roger Goodell weighs in on Shanahan's travel gripes, offering a dose of humor and a commitment to global expansion as the 49ers prepare for their historic Melbourne clash.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan didn't mince words when discussing his team's upcoming Week 1 game in Melbourne, Australia, against the Los Angeles Rams. Speaking recently from the NFL meetings, Shanahan made his frustration clear regarding the logistics of the 17 hour flight and the massive distance from home. "Oh, so fired up," Shanahan said in a characteristically sarcastic tone.
"That was our goal: to go 19 hours away to play a game... I don't see any pro [for the team]. It's cool for the league to play globally.
I think that's awesome. But as far as the team doing it, no, there's not much benefit to it. Sometimes it's nice to get a bye week after, but it doesn't happen in Week 1.
" NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell heard the remarks loud and clear. During a press conference in Melbourne this Friday, April 10, Goodell offered a diplomatic response to the 49ers' coach. "Coaches have a focus on winning.