A Brief History of the NFL Personal Conduct Policy

In a further blow to the NFL's fledgling rebuilding of its reputation, a videographer for the New England Patriots was caught by NFL Security stealing signals from the Jets coaching staff during their win over the New York Jets last week. Last week Goodell laid down the harshest fine allowable, $500,000, to Patriots coach Bill Bellichick, laid down a $250,000 fine to the Patriots, and forced the Patriots to give up a first round draft choice in 2008, which will turn into a 2^nd and 3^rd round choice given up if the team does not make the playoffs.

It is just another reminder of the fact that there is a new sheriff in town in the NFL, and his name is Roger Goodell. The former office intern and Executive VP of the league has made it clear that NOTHING BUT the very best of behaviors by anyone affiliated with the league will be the only thing tolerated.

But it is important to know HOW this sweeping change in the way the league does things came about.

And it all began In the early weeks after the Indianapolis Colts won Super Bowl XLI. During that time, Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones was in deep trouble. In Georgia, he was facing charges of obstructing police, and in Nevada he was being pinned for a shooting at a Las Vegas strip club during the NBA All Star Weekend. In Illinois, Chicago Bears defensive star Tank Johnson was being told to stay in Illinois while he was being indicted for weapons charges, a charge which would later earn him jail time. And, in Cincinnati, Bengals wide-out Chris Henry was extending his arrest record-and conviction record- which included buying alcohol for minors, speeding, reckless operation of a car, misdemeanor marijuana possession and a felony gun charge, and was one of nine Bengal players arrested for various offenses between 2006 and 2007.

National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell, not even a year into the job he took from retiring chief Paul Tagliabue, was getting very angry about the off-the-field actions of many, and decided to do something about it. On April 10, 2007, Goodell took the podium and announced a season long suspension for Adam "Pacman" Jones, and an eight game ban for Chris Henry. His excuse for two of the most lengthy suspensions in NFL history was then announced: a new personal conduct policy that everyone- league personnel, coaches, players, owners, etc.- has to agree to follow.

The NFL Players Association even was made to post the entire policy on their website. According to the site, the policy reads as follows:

- Engaging in violent and/or criminal activity is unacceptable and constitutes conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the National Football League. Such conduct alienates the fans on whom the success of the League depends and has negative and sometimes tragic consequences for both the victim and the perpetrator. The League is committed to promoting and encouraging lawful conduct and to providing a safe and professional workplace for its employees.

- It will be considered conduct detrimental for Covered Persons to engage in (or to aid, abet or conspire to engage in or to incite) violent and/or criminal activity. Examples of such Prohibited Conduct include, without limitation: any crime involving the use or threat of physical violence to a person or persons; the use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime; possession or distribution of a weapon in violation of state or federal law; involvement in "hate crimes" or crimes of domestic violence; theft, larceny or other property crimes; sex offenses; racketeering; money laundering; obstruction of justice; resisting arrest; fraud; and violent or threatening conduct. Additionally, Covered Persons shall not by their words or conduct suggest that criminal activity is acceptable or condoned within the NFL.

- Any Covered Person convicted of or admitting to a criminal violation (including a plea to a lesser included offense; a plea of nob contendere or no contest; or the acceptance of a diversionary program, deferred adjudication, disposition of supervision, or similar arrangement) will be subject to discipline as determined by the Commissioner. Such discipline may include a fine, suspension without pay and/or banishment from the League. Any Covered Person convicted of or admitting to a second criminal violation will be suspended without pay or banished for a period of time to be determined by the Commissioner.

- To ensure the effective administration of the policy, the League must be advised when a Covered Person engages in Prohibited Conduct. The obligation to report an arrest or criminal charge extends to both the person involved and to the Club or League entity for which he or she works. Persons subject to this policy who are arrested or charged with Prohibited Conduct must report that incident to their Clubs or to NFL Security at (800) NFL-1099. Failure to report an incident will constitute conduct detrimental and will be taken into consideration in the final determination of discipline under this policy.

When he gave word of the changes, Goodell stated that: "It is important that the NFL be represented consistently by outstanding people as well as great football players, coaches, and staff. We hold ourselves to higher standards of responsible conduct because of what it means to be part of the National Football League. We have long had policies and programs designed to encourage responsible behavior, and this policy is a further step in ensuring that everyone who is part of the NFL meets that standard. We will continue to review the policy and modify it as warranted." were the words that day of the commissioner, who had now gained the moniker of the sheriff that the NFL should have had years ago.

In the personal conduct policy, the commissioner has the first, second, and final say on all disciplinary issues, and is the ultimate arbitrator on appeals. Letters must be sent to the players who fall victim to a ban, and Goodell did just that to Jones, Henry, and eventually, Johnson, who later on was kicked out for ten games. "Your conduct has brought embarrassment and ridicule upon yourself, your club and the NFL and has damaged the reputation of players throughout the league. You have put in jeopardy an otherwise promising NFL career." Was one of the lines sent to Jones and Henry justifying his suspension.

He also ordered every player under suspension to file for reinstatement, and if mandated, follow all conditions set by Goodell himself. His conditions for Jones and Henry included the that:

* Both had to avoid further "adverse involvement with law enforcement."
* Both had to cooperate with required counseling, education and treatment assigned under league and/or court-ordered programs.
* Both were allowed on their teams training and practice facilities after June 1 to meet with player development directors.
* Jones was sentenced to community service, and he had to create a development plan HIMSELF, AND it had to meet NFL office approval.
* During the season, Henry was permitted at the facility for team meetings and must meet weekly with the player development director but may not attend or participate in practice.

Both have so far complied, even though Henry was suspected of DUI this past summer, and Pacman seems to have enthralled himself in the professional wrestling brand "Total Nonstop Action Wrestling". Johnson is content with trying to clean himself up and is trying to get back into Commissioner Goodell's good graces and return to the NFL having learned all of his lessons.

Then came the Michael Vick case. In April, the allegations of dog fighting, dog killing, and shipment of fighting dogs, became public following a federal raid. Vick began telling everyone, including Goodell during the NFL Draft, that he was innocent. Then, on August 20, Vick plead guilty to almost all of the charges and will be awaiting certain prison time by the end of the year. After the plea, Goodell sent Vick in many eyes the most scathing letter since the Scarlet "A" in the famous Nathan Hawthorne novel. It stated: "Your admitted conduct was not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible. Your team, the NFL, and NFL fans have all been hurt by your actions." If this is not a sign of the times, or a warning to anyone willing to cross the league and get into trouble anywhere at anytime, then no one truly knows what is. It is apparent the commissioner of the National Football League has salvaged the league's image, and no one can wait to find out how long it continues.

Sources:
http://www.nflpa.com/RulesAndRegs/ConductPolicy.aspx