PFT: NFL wants one-game deactivation with pay after any DUI arrest

[cowboyjoe]

Posted by Mike Florio | Sep 6, 2014, 6:44 PM EDT | Permalink

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As the NFL and NFLPA continue to not have a deal on a new, comprehensive drug policy, some more facts have emerged regarding what the league specifically has proposed.

As to the claim that the NFL wants players to be suspended for DUI arrests before their legal cases have ended, a source with knowledge of the negotiations tells PFT that the NFL has proposed a one-game deactivation with pay for the next game after any DUI arrest. It’s not a suspension, and there would be no forfeiture of salary.

Also, the proposal would apply not only to players but also to any other team or league employees, including owners.

That’s a far more reasonable stance than the imposition of actual financial punishment before a case has been adjudicated.

Another sticking point remains regarding the NFL’s desire for a minimum two-game suspension for a first-offense DUI, following the conclusion of the legal process. It’s currently unclear whether the NFLPA would accept that term.

Whatever happens, it’s highly unlikely that suspended players will be unsuspended for Week One. By Week Two, it remains possible.

 

[xwalker]

"As to the claim that the NFL wants players to be suspended for DUI arrests before their legal cases have ended, a source with knowledge of the negotiations tells PFT that the NFL has proposed a one-game deactivation with pay for the next game after any DUI arrest. It’s not a suspension, and there would be no forfeiture of salary."

That is a terrible idea. That's a bigger penalty on the fans than the player if there is no loss of salary.

 

[Deep_South]

What's the hurry?

 

[Galian Beast]

It's bad optics for a player to get arrested for a DUI and then play in the game immediately afterwards.

It's also poor precedence to take away someone's pay without due process.

This is actually a sensible middle ground.

 

[Deep_South]

I see, but to me there is a real problem with the NFL presuming guilt.

 

[jazzcat22]

So what happens when...say a cop who is a Philly fan, pulls Romo over for suspicion of a DUI, arrests him, Romo is suspended. But to find out his BAC was zero. The BAC results were lost in the process until after the game...

 

[Galian Beast]

So what happens when...say a cop who is a Philly fan, pulls Romo over for suspicion of a DUI, arrests him, Romo is suspended. But to find out his BAC was zero. The BAC results were lost in the process until after the game...

Assuming Romo doesn't refuse a breathalyzer, he could go with the NFL with the fact that he blew below .08.

That being said the NFL isn't the court system, the appearance of impropriety is enough to be suspended.