The NFL is reviewing references to New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch in documents released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, but no formal investigation has been opened, commissioner Roger Goodell said on Monday.
Goodell said the league would first seek to establish the facts surrounding the documents, in which Tisch’s name appears more than 400 times, before determining whether the matter falls under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Goodell says league will ‘get the facts’
Speaking at the State of the League address, Goodell said he was aware of Tisch being named in the U.S. Justice Department files related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
“Absolutely we will look at all the facts. We’ll look at the context of those and try to understand that,” Goodell said. “We’ll look at how that falls under the (league personal conduct) policy. I think we’ll take one step at a time. Let’s get the facts first.”
NFL stops short of launching formal probe
The NFL said earlier on Monday that it was aware of the reports and Tisch’s public response, but did not indicate that an investigation had been launched. “The league is aware of the reports and Steve’s response. Our office will look into the matter to understand the facts,” the league said in a statement.
The NFL did not disclose whether it had information about other franchise owners who may have had connections to Epstein.
Tisch acknowledges contact, denies wrongdoing
Tisch said last week that he never visited Epstein’s private Caribbean island, commonly referred to as “Epstein Island,” but acknowledged that he knew Epstein and exchanged messages with him.
“We had a brief association where we exchanged emails about adult women, and in addition, we discussed movies, philanthropy and investments,” Tisch said in a statement on Friday. “I did not take him up on any of his invitations and never went to his island.”
He added that Epstein was “a terrible person” and said he deeply regretted associating with him.
Background: Epstein case and document release
Epstein died in a New York jail cell in August 2019 in an apparent suicide, one month after being charged with sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.
The documents naming Tisch were released as part of a broader disclosure under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which has renewed scrutiny of individuals who had contact with Epstein.
Analysis: Caution reflects league sensitivity
The NFL’s measured response underscores its sensitivity to reputational risk involving team owners, particularly in cases touching on sexual misconduct.
By emphasizing fact-finding and context, the league appears intent on avoiding premature conclusions while preserving its ability to act under the personal conduct policy if warranted. The approach mirrors past cases in which the NFL has sought to balance due process with public pressure for accountability.
Whether the matter escalates will likely depend on whether the document references suggest conduct beyond mere association a distinction the league has signaled will be central to its review.
With information from Reuters.
