Roger Goodell's ridiculous pay day and the NFL dropping its non-profit status

Roger Goodell earned $34.1 million in 2014, a season marred by domestic violence scandal and continual news about the dangers of concussions and head trauma. Most of Goodell's income was in the form of bonuses, which would appear to be a vote of confidence for his performance, which many fans would consider sub-par.

In the NFL giving up its tax-exempt status, the league is no longer required to publicize Goodell's salary and other compensation in the future.

Though the NFL has made many missteps, it continues to be an incredibly profitable organization. The NFL is giving up its 501 (c) (6) nonprofit status that it has enjoyed since 1942. While the league pays taxes on TV rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales, there is another portion of their revenue that has not been taxable.

It is important to note that individual teams have always had to pay taxes, so it is not as if none of the massive revenue generated by the NFL has been exempt from taxes. Only a small portion of the league's earnings, those associated with the administration of the league.

Major League Baseball has not enjoyed tax-exempt status since 2007, while the NBA has never been classified as a nonprofit.

With the NFL being a multi-billion dollar industry, fans of the sport who have to pay their taxes will certainly have an issue with the league getting away from having to submit their taxes, even if it is just a portion of their income. After all, that portion could be millions of dollars. But that will change in 2016.