For the first time since talks between the owners and players broke down 11 days ago, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has addressed the media, and by extension, the fans. A few interesting points from Goodell’s press conference at the owners meetings in New Orleans:

• The commissioner said five teams have already been fined for breaking rules prohibiting them from having contact with players when they weren’t supposed to. The teams were not revealed, but this is not lockout-related.
• Goodell said replacement players haven’t been discussed or considered. Let’s hope not. There’s no way replacement players are a good thing for fans.
• He said that teams can have contact with prospects until they have drafted them. In other words, that “you’re now a Dolphin!” phone call will be the last time the two parties can talk before a new CBA is worked out.
• So much for players being able to do whatever they want during the lockout. The league is apparently logging indiscretions and will penalize players once a new CBA has been signed.
• Goodell has yet to spend his $1 salary.