NFL player conduct under scrutiny

by Robert Box, staff writer

 

With the seemingly continuous outbreak of player misconduct in the NFL, commissioner Roger Goodell has unleashed a new player conduct policy. 

There has been some 50 players and coaches arrested since the start of 2006.  The biggest issue may be concerning repeat offenses from players such as Tennessee cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones and Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Henry, whose charges range from possession of marijuana to giving alcohol to minors.   

When Goodell took over the league, its popularity was at an all-time high.  The misconduct of players off the field was probably one of the last things that he thought would end up being his main concern.  Many believe that this may be the worst rash of player misconduct in the league’s history.

Goodell has already started his first individual suspensions with Jones and Henry.  Henry will be suspended for the first eight games of the season, while Jones has been suspended for the entire season.  After they serve their suspensions, they must both apply for reinstatement.

Both players’ suspensions will come with several stipulations, including no more run-ins with the law and community service.  If either player fails to comply with any requirements, they can be banished from the NFL permanently. 

"I'm not trying to send a signal here and make examples of people,” said Goodell, according to NFL.com.  “We'll do what we need to protect the integrity of the NFL. That's our objective."

Along with longer suspensions and larger fines for individuals who violate the policy, Goodell will hold teams responsible, as well.  The owners have also been threatened with things such as taking money away from their salary cap or losing draft picks.  The league also may request that players stay away from certain places, especially after the shooting death of Denver cornerback Darrent Williams on Jan. 1, 2007.

Much of this “misconduct” has occurred in public places.  Williams was killed outside of a Denver nightclub.  Jones’ most recent run in with the law took place while he was at a strip club.  New Miami linebacker Joey Porter made news recently for getting in a fight with Cincinnati player Levi Jones in a Las Vegas casino. 

I really hope that this plan turns out well for the league.  Personally, I’m getting tired of every other story on ESPN’s “Sportscenter” being about someone getting arrested.  Well, that and some uninteresting story about T.O. 

This should be a wake-up call to players, though.  I understand wanting to have a good time and enjoying the money that you make.  But there is a boundary, just like there is for every other person in the world. 

Just because you make millions of dollars doesn’t give you the right to act stupid.  As a matter of fact, no one has the right to act stupid.  I know that the NFL has always had a rough-and-tumble image, but this needs to be put in place so that the image doesn’t turn into the “Longest Yard.”