Report: Roger Goodell won't attend Patriots season opener

Roger Goodell won't attend the Patriots' season opener against the Steelers, according to a report by Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo.

Roger Goodell won't attend the New England Patriots' season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to a report by Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo.

The news comes on the heels of Thursday's announcement that Tom Brady's four-game suspension was nullified in a ruling by federal judge Richard Berman.

According to the report, Goodell believes the focus Thursday “should be on the game and the festivities,” and not on the controversy surrounding the ruling.

NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said Goodell will attend an undisclosed NFL game on opening Sunday.

This year will be the first Goodell misses the annual Thursday night season opener since he was named NFL commissioner in 2006.

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- Kayla Lombardo