To counter the Devil's Advocate

Goodell publicly made comments indicating Vilma paid $ 10,000 for the hit on Farve before the NFL concluded it's investigation. This is a large part of Vilma's case and truthfully where he stands the best chance. Think of it this way (though, I'll admit not exactly the same circumstance, but good analogy) if you are standing trial for murder and during the case the I as judge publicly say you stabbed the the victim then I have purger-ed the case and am open to civil litigation as at said time you were not convicted.

As for hiding behind the NFL. If Goodell wants to use "I'm the voice of the league" Then his comments need always begin with "we as the league", "we as the NFL", "the NFL believes", etc. This is done effectively by Gary Bettman (NHL) and preplantation owner David Stern (NBA). Is it nitpicking, possibly. Howefver, if you want to say you are protected by representing league and not as Roger Goodell then you need to start doing it.