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NFL lays down its own law
By CHAREAN WILLIAMS
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Titans defensive back Adam "Pacman" Jones has had 10 encounters with the law in the past two years.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell handed out his new code-of-conduct policy Tuesday. Then, he put down his foot.
Goodell suspended Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones for the 2007 season and Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry for eight games. They are among the stiffest penalties ever in the NFL.
Jones will forfeit $1.3 million in base salary, while Henry will lose more than $200,000.
"We must protect the integrity of the NFL," Goodell said in a statement. "The highest standards of conduct must be met by everyone in the NFL, because it is a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right."
The league issued a set of conditions the suspended players must meet before applying for reinstatement. Titans owner Bud Adams said in a statement that Jones "may not return to this team."
Jones has had 10 encounters with police since he was drafted two years ago, and Henry was arrested four times in a 14-month span. Jones was suspended for one game last season, while Henry sat out two.
In a letter to each player, Goodell wrote: "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, and have risked both your own safety and the safety of others through your off-field actions. In each of these respects, you have engaged in conduct detrimental to the NFL and failed to live up to the standards expected of NFL players. Taken as a whole, this conduct warrants significant sanction."
The league has had more than 50 players arrested in the past 15 months, including nine Bengals. That prompted Goodell to call for longer suspensions and bigger fines for players and punishment for teams. He also is calling for expanded educational and support programs.
Goodell's new policy has received the backing of the NFL Players Association.
"We believe that these are steps that the Commissioner needs to take, and we support the policy," Gene Upshaw, the NFLPA's executive director, said in a statement. "It is important that players in violation of the policy will have the opportunity and the support to change their conduct and earn their way back."
IN THE KNOW
New measures
The NFL on Tuesday announced changes to the league's personal conduct policy for players. Disciplinary modifications include:
Conduct harmful to the integrity of the league, even if not criminal in nature, will be subject to discipline.
Discipline will include larger fines and longer suspensions.
Discipline for repeat offenders of the policy could be handed out even if the conduct has not yet resulted in a criminal conviction.
Those suspended must fully comply with counseling and treatment before being considered for reinstatement.
Teams also could be disciplined for player violations.
Charean Williams, 817-390-7760 cjwilliams@star-telegram.co
By CHAREAN WILLIAMS
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
Titans defensive back Adam "Pacman" Jones has had 10 encounters with the law in the past two years.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell handed out his new code-of-conduct policy Tuesday. Then, he put down his foot.
Goodell suspended Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones for the 2007 season and Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry for eight games. They are among the stiffest penalties ever in the NFL.
Jones will forfeit $1.3 million in base salary, while Henry will lose more than $200,000.
"We must protect the integrity of the NFL," Goodell said in a statement. "The highest standards of conduct must be met by everyone in the NFL, because it is a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right."
The league issued a set of conditions the suspended players must meet before applying for reinstatement. Titans owner Bud Adams said in a statement that Jones "may not return to this team."
Jones has had 10 encounters with police since he was drafted two years ago, and Henry was arrested four times in a 14-month span. Jones was suspended for one game last season, while Henry sat out two.
In a letter to each player, Goodell wrote: "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, and have risked both your own safety and the safety of others through your off-field actions. In each of these respects, you have engaged in conduct detrimental to the NFL and failed to live up to the standards expected of NFL players. Taken as a whole, this conduct warrants significant sanction."
The league has had more than 50 players arrested in the past 15 months, including nine Bengals. That prompted Goodell to call for longer suspensions and bigger fines for players and punishment for teams. He also is calling for expanded educational and support programs.
Goodell's new policy has received the backing of the NFL Players Association.
"We believe that these are steps that the Commissioner needs to take, and we support the policy," Gene Upshaw, the NFLPA's executive director, said in a statement. "It is important that players in violation of the policy will have the opportunity and the support to change their conduct and earn their way back."
IN THE KNOW
New measures
The NFL on Tuesday announced changes to the league's personal conduct policy for players. Disciplinary modifications include:
Conduct harmful to the integrity of the league, even if not criminal in nature, will be subject to discipline.
Discipline will include larger fines and longer suspensions.
Discipline for repeat offenders of the policy could be handed out even if the conduct has not yet resulted in a criminal conviction.
Those suspended must fully comply with counseling and treatment before being considered for reinstatement.
Teams also could be disciplined for player violations.
Charean Williams, 817-390-7760 cjwilliams@star-telegram.co