On Monday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expressed doubt about the Pro Bowl taking place this year, telling a Sirius XM show that if the players did not play more competitively, he is “not inclined to play it anymore,” reports NFL news.
“It is really tough to force competition,” he said, “and after a long season, to ask those guys to go out and play at the same level they played is really tough.”
While the game may be canceled, Goodell said there would still be a voting and selection process, since it is an honor for players to be voted to participate. The player’s union has also pushed for the game to continue, as it always takes place in Hawaii.
The game has never been a favorite of coaches because it can lead to injuries, which lead the match to be moved in 2010 from the week after the Superbowl to the week before. The timing change, however, means it excludes any players from the two teams in the Superbowl, leaving star players unable to participate. The coaches, players and fans select the participants through an evenly weighted voting process.