NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy clearly states that all individuals associated with the NFL must avoid “conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League.” This conduct clause is said to hold that all NFL players, team owners, coaches and game officials to a higher standard because of the impact they have on their community and the public itself. As a result of increased incidences the NFL will be investing in the expansion of their educational programs so everyone associated with the NFL are more informed and understand the consequences of breaking this policy.

There have been 498 active NFL players arrested since 2000. This despicable number has NFL commissioner Roger Goodell frustrated and disappointed and believes “it is important that the NFL be represented consistently by outstanding people as well as great football players, coaches and staff,” and this is the reason he says he is stepping up and taking swift action at those who violate this policy. Goodell said the NFL will be investing in the expansion of their educational programs hold annual programs. This briefing will include life skills and will cover laws pertaining to possession of guns, drinking and driving, domestic disputes and other violations listed in the agreement that if broken will result in penalties. All NFL players, coaches’ officials, and other club-related personnel are obligated to attend the program. Lastly, all rookie drafted players will be required to attend these briefings as well as “year-round rookie orientations” as explained to them in the June symposium.

So are the punishments severe enough? I understand Brian Cushing’s being suspended after testing positive for HCG, but if Goodell is supposed to be stricter than why is he only suspended for four games and allowed to keep the title “rookie of the year”. However, I do not understand why Philip Merling attended practice just 24 hours after his arrest for aggravated battery on a pregnant woman when the policy states “unless there is significant bodily harm, a first offense will generally not result in discipline until there has been a disposition of the proceeding.” Well the charge speaks for itself.

So my question is how is if Personal Conduct Policy and Goodell are trying to prevent damage to NFL’s reputation and send a message that it is a privilege to work in and for the NFL, they are not doing  good job. In the real world teachers, doctors, fireman, policeman and etc. get fired for this type of behavior but in the NFL player’s arrests and charges are laughable and result in a slap on the wrist.

List Of Goodell’s issued suspensions since he began:

Michael Vick, six games, 2007 for dog fighting, but was shortened to 2 games.

Fabian Washington, one game, 2008 domestic disputed

Donte Stallworth, 16 games, 2009 DUI manslaughter. Stallworth served 24 days of a 30-day prison sentence.

Ben Roethlisberger, six games, 2010 2 rape accusations

Bryant McKinnie, four games, 2008 for repeated violations

Brandon Marshall, three games, 2008 run ins with police, domestic issues

Ricky Manning Jr., one game, 2006 beating a man outside Denny’s in L.A.

Marshawn Lynch, three games, 2009 misdemeanor gun charge

Pacman Jones, 22 games, 2007 NUMEROUS a fight and shooting at a strip club that left a bystander paralyzed pleaded no contest to one charge of conspiracy to commit disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor. One year of probation and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.

Tank Johnson, eight games, 2007 V.O.P. from 2005 weapons charge

Larry Johnson, one game, 2008 disturbing the peace and gay slurs in 09’

Chris Henry, eight games, 2007 (one of Bengals 9 in 9 months)

Fred Evans, two games, 2007 battery on a LEO, possession charge, and VOP.

Michael Boley, one game, 2009 battery charge

Rocky Bernard, one game, 2008 domestic violence

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. “We hold ourselves to higher standards of responsible conduct because of what it means to be part of the National Football League.”

Here is the list created by Brent Schrotenboer of the San Diego Union-Tribune. (The list below accounts for arrests of NFL players since 2000 where the charges were more serious than speeding tickets.)

Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

Resources:

NFLPA 2008 Conduct Policy: http://images.nflplayers.com/mediaResources/images/oldImages/fck/NFL%20Personal%20Conduct%20Policy%202008.pdf

Yahoo Sports, http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=conductpolicy

Brent Schrotenboer, San Deigo Union-Tribune