Goodell: Belichick will be Hall of Famer, but NFL has no role

"Sources told ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr. and Seth Wickersham last week that Belichick did not get enough votes in his first year of eligibility despite winning a record six Super Bowl titles as head coach of the New England Patriots. There was speculation that Belichick's role in the Spygate scandal in 2007 and changes to the voting process might have contributed to at least 11 of the 50 voters opting against voting for Belichick."

"Roger Goodell says the league and the players union have not had "any formal discussions" about an 18-game schedule. He added they have had "very little informal conversations." He said expanding from 16 to 17 games "went quite smoothly." "But the challenges will be different here a little bit, and it'll depend on a lot of factors, including safety of the game," he said."

The league has no involvement in Pro Football Hall of Fame voting and expects Bill Belichick and Robert Kraft to be inducted. Belichick did not receive enough votes in his first year of eligibility despite winning a record six Super Bowl titles. Speculation linked the vote shortfall to his role in the 2007 Spygate scandal and to recent voting-process changes, with at least 11 of 50 voters reportedly withholding support. Belichick was grouped on the ballot with owner Robert Kraft and seniors Ken Anderson, Roger Craig and L.C. Greenwood; voters could select three candidates and 80% support was required. The league and the players union have had no formal discussions about an 18-game schedule and only limited informal conversations; expansion from 16 to 17 games proceeded smoothly, but an 18-game plan would raise new safety, roster and bye-week considerations.

Read at ESPN.com