Lewis gains vote on competition committee

By Mark Curnutte
Enquirer staff writer
ORLANDO, Fla. – Bengals coach Marvin Lewis this afternoon was named as a voting member of the NFL’s competition committee.
Outgoing NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue promoted Lewis, who had been a non-voting member as the representative of the coaches’ subcommittee.
Lewis replaces Seattle coach Mike Holmgren, who stepped down. There are eight voting members on the committee, which studies various issues in the game – such as rules changes – and proposes them to ownership for possible adoption. Much of what the competition committee recommends is approved by owners.
Proposed rules changes at the league’s annual meeting, which began today, deal with player safety – such as a likely proposed rule change to protect quarterbacks whose feet are on the ground while throwing the ball.
The low hit on the Bengals’ Carson Palmer in the playoffs is a major part of the push to add protection for quarterbacks.
"It helps us a lot," Bengals president Mike Brown said of Lewis’ position on the committee.
The other members are co-chairs Rich McKay, Falcons general manager; and Jeff Fisher, Titans coach.
The other five members are Texans general manager Charley Casserly, Giants chief operating officer John Mara, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, Colts general manager Bill Polian and Panthers president Mark Richardson.
"He brings respect for the game, a fresh perspective," Fisher said of Lewis.
E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com