Goodell likes what he sees in Pro Bowl

HONOLULU – At least one key NFL executive thinks play improved at the Pro Bowl this year.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said Monday during a one-hour question-and-answer session with fans on the social network Reddit he thought the game improved from last year, when players clearly weren't trying and were booed by fans in Hawaii.

"I watched the game and noticed the improved quality of the game," he said.

The NFC dominated the AFC 62-35 on Sunday in a game that had highlight plays but quickly became lopsided.

Goodell said he appreciated the commitment from players.

"We need to continually work to make our game better for the fans," Goodell said. "I look forward to getting detailed player comment and input."

The league has said it plans to decide on the future of the Pro Bowl by April, when next season's schedule is expected to be released.

Pro Bowl players immediately defended their play after the game, saying they tried hard and hoped the festivities would continue for future Pro Bowlers.

"(Goodell) got what he asked for," said New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, who set a Pro Bowl record with 10 catches. "Guys were intense. We understood exactly what he wanted. Guys were making plays all over the field."

The game had its share of shenanigans as well. Green Bay center Jeff Saturday lined up for one play on the AFC side even though he was a captain on the NFC team. That allowed him to snap one last ball to Denver quarterback Peyton Manning, his longtime teammate in Indianapolis before this season.

Houston defensive end J.J. Watt lined up at wide receiver, getting two targets but recording no catches.

Colts – A Florida man pleaded guilty to a fraud charge in a Los Angeles courtroom in connection with swindling about $2.3 million from Indianapolis defensive end Dwight Freeney.

Michael Stern of Miami entered his plea to a single count. He faces up to 10 years in prison.

HGH testing – Chastising the NFL Players Association for standing in the way of testing for human growth hormone, two members of Congress told union head DeMaurice Smith in a letter they might ask players to testify before their committee.

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa, a California Republican, and ranking Democrat Elijah Cummings of Maryland asked Smith to turn over documents connected to HGH negotiations between the NFL and the NFLPA.

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