ZeroClub;1446251 said:
An advantage to issuing an indefinite (a.k.a. lifetime) suspension is that it places the burden of proof on the player during an appeal. The player must be contrite and provide evidence that he is rehabilitated and living right.
That's different from telling someone that they are out for X number of games.
Actually it is exactly the same thing. Players have to apply for reinstatement and need to demonstrate they've complied with the terms of their rehabilitation. See policy below:
Criteria: After the completion of the one-year banishment period, the Commissioner, in his sole discretion, will determine if and when the player will be allowed to return to the NFL. A player’s failure to adhere to his Treatment
Plan during his banishment will be a significant consideration in the Commissioner’s decision of whether to reinstate a player. A player seeking reinstatement must meet certain clinical requirements as determined by the
Medical Director and other requirements as set forth in Appendix B.
APPENDIX B
Procedures for Making Application for Reinstatement by a Player Banned Under Stage Three of the Intervention Program
Any player who has been suspended under Stage Three may apply formally in writing for reinstatement no sooner than 60 days before the one-year anniversary date of the letter so suspending him.
The application should include all pertinent information about the player’s
(a) Treatment;
(b) Abstinence from substances of abuse throughout the entire period of his
suspension;
(c) Involvement with any substances of abuse related incidents; and
(d) Arrests and/or convictions for any criminal activity, including substances of abuse related offenses
Set forth below are the procedures to be used when an application is received by the Commissioner.
1. Within 45 days of receipt of the application, the player will be interviewed by the Medical Director and the Medical Advisor after which a recommendation will be made to the Commissioner with regard to the player’s request for reinstatement.
2. The player will execute appropriate medical release forms that will enable the Commissioner’s staff and NFLPA Executive Director’s staff to review the
player’s substance abuse history, including but not limited to attendance at
counseling sessions (individual, group and family); attendance at 12-step and
other self-help group meetings; periodic progress reports; and all diagnostic
findings and treatment recommendations.
3. The player will submit to urine Testing by an NFL representative at a frequency determined by the Medical Advisor.
4. The player will agree in a meeting with the Commissioner or his representative(s) to comply with the conditions imposed by the Commissioner for his reinstatement to the status of an active player.
5. All individuals involved in the process will take steps to enable the Commissioner to render a decision within 60 days of the receipt of the application.
