Goodell, along with NFLPA leader DeMaurice Smith and other people in suits, was grilled by the House Judiciary Committee about all this stuff they've been hearing about "concussions" and "permanent brain damage." The Commish talked a great deal about all the many things the league is doing—rule changes, equipment, etc.—to protect players and that there is "no single issue to which I have devoted as much time and attention." Yet, when the question was put to him directly, Goodell refused to admit that there is a link between head injuries and brain diseases later in life.

That didn't make most of the Representatives happy, especially Maxine Waters, who even broke out the Damocles Sword of the league—threatening to revoke its anti-trust exemption. Even more damning, however, was the testimony of Gay Culverhouse, a former president of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who lambasted the league for letting team-employed doctors decide who plays and who doesn't. She called it "inhumane" and said that players are considered "a disposable commodity." That probably stings a bit.

Goodell was sneaky enough in the pocket to avoid getting caught in a moment like the famous shot of tobacco executives testifying that they didn't believe cigarettes cause cancer—but still probably not a great day for the league. Goodell can't admit what everyone already knows, but the time will probably come when he'll no longer have that option.

Goodell Defends NFL to Congress About Concussions [ABC News]
NFL Leaders Testify About Head Injuries [AP Video]

Rep. Heath Shuler, a former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist, had two of his passes intercepted. But the North Carolina Democrat, who coached the Members team and played QB all four quarters, was in good spirits after the game, smiling and laughing with officers.

"They're a very fast, very young team," Shuler said of the police. "You could tell they all had played [before]. But they were just having fun, just like us."

Seriously: The guy was playing a Capitol Police team and was shut out! He's a former NFL quarterback! Well, kind of.

Capitol Police Shut Down Shuler, 'Mean Machine' [Roll Call]