Tragedy in New York City: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell expresses sympathy and condemnation following this week's shooting incident, labeling it as an 'assault on humanity' in his first public comments since the incident.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is responding to the tragic shooting at the league's headquarters in New York City on July 28, 2025. The shooting, which took place at 345 Park Avenue, resulted in the death of four individuals, including an NYPD officer, and left one NFL employee seriously injured.
The gunman, identified as Shane Devon Tamur, was carrying an assault-style rifle and died by suicide. According to reports, a note found in his pocket linked his actions to NFL-related grievances, specifically involving Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma common in football.
Goodell has been vocal in his condemnation of the senseless attack, expressing emotional support for the injured NFL employee and the victims' families. He has also emphasized the NFL's commitment to its employees and fans, encouraging remote work for NFL staff in New York following the shooting and announcing increased security at NFL offices.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Goodell expressed gratitude for the support received and honoured the four innocent lives lost. He also expressed thoughts with the survivors as they begin their physical and emotional recovery. Goodell met with the family of the injured league employee, including his brother and parents, and spent time with him in a nearby hospital on Wednesday.
Goodell described the injured league employee as an "amazing young man" and expressed optimism about his recovery. He also called Monday's shooting an "attack on humanity" and vowed to carry on with the league’s mission, acknowledging the emotional impact on the NFL community.
In a memo sent to NFL staff on Tuesday, Goodell prioritized their safety and well-being, encouraging self-care and offering support. He also emphasized the league’s intention to continue its activities and role in bringing people together despite the tragedy.
Goodell will not attend Thursday night's annual Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio due to the shooting. A moment of silent reflection was held before the game to honour the four victims.
Mayor Eric Adams noted that the gunman specifically targeted the NFL because of CTE grievances, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding CTE and football. The NFL has been under scrutiny for its handling of CTE and its potential impact on players' health.
In summary, the New York City shooting was directly connected to the shooter’s alleged CTE condition and targeting of the NFL. Commissioner Goodell's response has been focused on employee safety, security, and resilience, as well as expressing sympathy and support for the victims and their families. The NFL community continues to mourn the loss of four innocent lives and pray for the recovery of the injured employee.
- Commissioner Goodell has linked the NFL shooting incident to the grievances of the gunman, who was reportedly suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease common in football.
- Following the shooting, Goodell announced increased security at NFL offices and encouraged remote work for NFL staff in New York city for safety reasons.
- In his statement, Goodell mentioned the NFL's commitment to addressing mental health issues and neurological disorders like CTE, which are prevalent in American football.
- Amidst the general news of the tragic shooting, sports news has also highlighted Goodell's decision to step back from attending the annual Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio due to the incident.
- The shooting has also brought issues related to crime and justice into the spotlight, with the suspect specifically targeting the NFL for CTE-related concerns.
- In addition to this high-profile case, the NFL continues to face scrutiny for its handling of CTE and its potential impact on players' health and well-being, becoming a hot topic in health and wellness discourse.
