Monday, May 18, 2015

Texans owner Bob McNair weighs in on potential rules changes, state of Houston sports

Originally published by John McClain.

Texans owner Bob McNair predicts radical changes to the extra-point attempt will come Wednesday when the owners vote on three proposals at the NFL meetings.

McNair said he expects the owners to approve moving the line of scrimmage for extra-point kicks from the 2 to the 15 and to allow the defense to return a blocked kick, interception or fumble for two points — the same rule that’s used in college football.

McNair also reiterated his support of commissioner Roger Goodell and congratulated the Rockets for advancing into the Western Conference finals and the Astros for tying the best start in franchise history.

“I’m willing to make the change and move it back to the 15 and try it for a year,” McNair said on Monday. “As for the two-point conversion, I’m willing to move it to the 1 or 1½, but I think the sentiment is to leave it at the 2.

“Moving the extra point back to the 15 and then moving the two-point attempt closer might be too many changes for everybody.”

McNair is excited about the possibility of the NFL adopting the college rule that allows the defense to score two points on an extra-point kick or two-point conversion.

“I’m in favor of that, and I think it’ll pass,” he said. “I think everybody’s in favor of letting the defense score if they can block a kick, pick up a fumble or intercept a pass.”

Even though McNair doesn’t think the owners will vote to change the line of scrimmage for two-point conversions, he does believe it would change strategy.

“I don’t think there’s any question about it,” he said. “I think there’d be a lot more two-point attempts.

“It’s always good to have exciting plays. If it was moved closer, I think it would give an offensive-minded coach more incentive to go for it as opposed to just kicking it, which isn’t as exciting as a run or a pass play.”

No matter what kind of controversy the league has been involved in, McNair has continued to support Goodell. That support hasn’t waned after the “DeflateGate” ruling that called for New England quarterback Tom Brady to be suspended for four games and the Patriots to be fined $1 million and a loss of first- and fourth-round draft choices.

“The commissioner is concerned about maintaining a level playing field,” McNair said. “That’s what this whole issue is about, a question of whether someone might have tried to gain a competitive advantage. We don’t want to see that happen, and that’s why he ruled.

“Roger’s doing a fine job. A lot of these issues, there’s no way you can satisfy everybody. They’re complicated, and you try to use your best judgment and do what you think is best for the game. And I think that’s what he’s trying to do.”

McNair had nothing but praise for the Rockets and Astros.

The Rockets are coming off a 3-1 deficit to the Los Angeles Clippers to win the series 4-3 and play at Golden State, which had the best record in the NBA.

The Astros have a five-game winning streak and their 25-13 record ties their best start.

“I’m pleased for the Rockets, and I’m pleased for the Astros,” McNair said. “It’s just terrific for Houston.

“The Rockets worked hard to build this team. They’ve been very patient. I’m very happy for them, and I’m pulling for them to go all the way.

“The Astros have been patient, too. They’ve rebuilt their farm system, and they’re getting players who are producing. I couldn’t be happier for them, either.”

john.mcclain@chron.com

http://twitter.com/mcclain_on_nfl

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