Paul Tagliabue, who helped deliver labor peace and riches to the NFL throughout his 17 years as commissioner however was criticized for not taking stronger motion on concussions, died Sunday from coronary heart failure at 84 years outdated.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy mentioned Tagliabue’s household knowledgeable the league of his demise in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Tagliabue, who had developed Parkinson’s illness, was commissioner from 1989, when he succeeded Pete Rozelle, to 2006. He was elected to the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame as a part of a particular centennial class in 2020.
Tagliabue oversaw a myriad of recent stadiums and negotiated tv contracts that added billions of {dollars} to the league’s checking account. Beneath him, there have been no labor stoppages.
Throughout his time, Los Angeles misplaced two groups and Cleveland one other, migrating to Baltimore earlier than being changed by an enlargement franchise.
Tagliabue carried out a coverage on substance abuse that was thought of the strongest in all main sports activities. He additionally established the “Rooney Rule” during which all groups with teaching vacancies should interview minority candidates. It has since been expanded to incorporate front-office and league govt positions.
He’s survived by his spouse, Chandler, son Drew, and daughter Emily.
