New NFL Policy

[TellerMorrow34]

I just heard on the Jim Rome Show that starting June first the NFL will begin their new policy of fining, and punishing, teams for their players off the field issues. No previous, or impending legal issues, from before June 1st will be counted against the teams but anything that happens from June 1st on will be subject to punishment.

My questions are what do you think this will do to help the issue of players off field problems? DO you think it will help it at all? What will this do in regards to how people draft and who they choose to pick up as FA?

This is an interesting thing, IMO, that the league is now going to start punishing the teams, as well as the players, for the off field issues and I wonder how the teams are suppose to go about keeping their players, and thus themselves, out of trouble.

Discuss.

 

[AsthmaField]

I think it can't help but lower the off field incidents. It's bad enough to piss off the NFL... but to make your team's owner lose money and face in the media will be a quick one way ticket out of town.

It won't eliminate off field incidents, of course... but I think players (particularly fringe players) will think long and hard before doing something stupid.

It will also make teams think much harder about picking up second chances like Pacman and drafting risks like Manningham.

Ultimately, it will be the problem players who pay (with their jobs) and not the teams. Clubs will pay fines, but they'll get those guys off their team more quickly, IMO.

 

[Hostile]

Does this mean players start with a tabla rasa on June 1st?

I would assume so.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

The report didn't say. It just said that the team would not be held accountable for anything happening before June 1st. In regards to the players, if you mean in terms of suspensions and stuff, I would assume they're still in the same boat they were. If they're one of those players, like Chris Henry, who could face a year suspension then they'd still be in line for facing the same punishment. I believe the June 1 starting date is just for the teams themselves.

 

[big dog cowboy]

My questions are what do you think this will do to help the issue of players off field problems? DO you think it will help it at all? What will this do in regards to how people draft and who they choose to pick up as FA?

This won't change a thing with the players and their off field issues.

It has everything to do with teams and how they approach the draft and free agency.

 

[jobberone]

Does this mean players start with a tabla rasa on June 1st?

I would assume so.

I doubt if Hos. I think ole Rog has decided to make this his legacy. He will count everything against the player. Makes sense not the penalize the teams without annoucing it first. I'd bet big money this has been thoroughly discussed by the league and owners. Likely the players as well. It's a good thing IMO.

This won't change a thing with the players and their off field issues.

It has everything to do with teams and how they approach the draft and free agency.

Exactly about the latter. But agents will get this across to their clients and those who will listen will take heed. This will lead to a legal blackball by the owners. Teams will think twice about drafting problems and taking them on as FAs. JMO.

 

[YosemiteSam]

How will it be implemented?

Teams should get a three strike rule before being punished, but once the three strikes have been hit, then the next hit should be a sledge hammer against the team. It's not fair to punish a team for drafting a kid that appeared to be a good kid, but does something wrong like gets in a fight at a bar.

Players infractions should also be three strikes, but each infraction should be gauged and multiple strikes can be applied to a single offence.

One strike: Fined, no suspension
Two strikes: Fined, six games suspension
Three strikes: Fined, one year suspension
Four strikes: Permanent ban from the NFL.


Offense value in strikes:

1. You were involved in an altercation: Two strikes.
2. You were involved in a violent altercation (serious injuries): Three strikes.
3. A lethal weapon was involved on your side of the altercation: Four strikes
4. Arrested: Two strikes
5. Failed drug test: One strike

Strikes stack with older strikes. A strike never leaves your record. You get in a fight in a bar twice? You're history.