Some people keep referring to legal consequences for every suspension or non-suspension. Again, the NFL Personal Conduct Policy:
https://nflpaweb.blob.core.windows.net/media/Default/PDFs/Active Players/PersonalConductPolicyLPP.pdf
<snip>
Players convicted of a crime or subject to a disposition of a criminal proceeding (as defined in this Policy) are subject to discipline. But even if the conduct
does not result in a criminal conviction, players found to have engaged in any of the following conduct will be subject to discipline.
<snip>
Discipline – A player violates this policy when he has a disposition of a criminal proceeding (as defined), or if the league’s investigation demonstrates that he engaged in conduct prohibited by the Personal Conduct Policy. In cases where a player
is not charged with a crime, or is charged but not convicted, he may still be found to have violated the Policy if the credible evidence establishes that he engaged in conduct prohibited by this Personal Conduct Policy.
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Is the policy flawed? Seemingly in most cases, yes.
Does the commissioner have unchecked far reaching disciplinary authority? Yes.
Should the NPLPA address the language of the policy in the next CBA negotiations? Yes, if its membership asks its leadership to pursue change.
However, none of the above alters the fact Goodell is not dependent upon what happens or does NOT happen in the legal system. It does not matter to Goodell or the policy whether police make or do not make an arrest. It does not matter to Goodell or the policy whether prosecutors seek a conviction or drop all charges. It does not matter to Goodell or the policy whether a judge hands down a verdict or throws a case out.
It does not matter if there is ACTUAL TANGIBLE IRREFUTABLE evidence or 'evidence' that is sillier than a Road Runner cartoon.
In my opinion, public focus should be directed at discerning WHY Goodell acts, does not act, or varies in his actions. It is almost unquestionable he delivers discipline to protect the league's image but WHY are similar episodes judged differently? It can be a continually frustrating and perplexing mystery why Goodell does what he does but there should be zero misunderstanding that real, probable or non-existing legal repercussions for a player matters little or
nothing at all in actual discipline execution. Unfair? Certainly but there should not be any remaining shock value associated with the fact, especially after considering the many disciplinary decisions Goodell has made during his long tenure.
