There is serious doubt about that. This idea was wide spread before the negotiated the last CBA, as well. The reality is that the majority of the players don't care about this issue because they never have to deal with Goodell having absolute disciplinary power. They are more concerned with maximizing their income. If they have to trade less money for less power for Goodell, they won't make that trade. If they have to trade more games for less power for Goodell, they won't make that trade. Again, you, I, die-hard fans, Zeke, Brady, Hardy, Peterson, etc-we are concerned about this issue, but for the majority of NFL players, it's not as important as the money the can make, the playing schedule, etc.