Just for fun, I reviewed the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy. At the risk of boring everyone, the PC policy was implemented in 2007 to "... Help control off-field behavior by its players and preserve the league's public image." Without getting into an esoteric discussion about controlling someone's behavior, the general intent of the policy is reasonable. Preserving the image of the league and thus enhancing its marketability makes good business sense.
When reviewing the list of players suspended under this policy - Adam Jones (battery), Chris Henry (aggravated assault with a firearm), and Michael Vick, to name a few - I would think most would agree their behavior was egregious. The court of public opinion at the time was generally in favor of severe penalities.
Not withstanding the recent bar incident, Zeke's off-field behavior falls more in the category of boneheaded immaturity rather than malicious intent. If anything, it hurts his image far more than the league.
At a time when NFL ratings are falling (8% year-on-year, 2016 vs. 2015), the league desparately needed an image refresh - enter the 2016 Dallas Cowboys, Dak and Zeke. I am not suggesting the DC single-handedly saved the league's ratings, but I am suggesting that using the PC policy to potentially suspend Zeke is a bit ironic.
Salvation Army contributions soared after Zeke did his end zone show. Dak and Zeke have some of the highest merchandise sales in the league and let's not forget Zeke's feed me gesture - Wheaties would probably jump at the chance to put his image on their cereal box.
If the investigation into the bar fight leads conclusively to Zeke being guilty, then suspend him. Otherwise, under the league's PC policy, I just can't see (with the evidence in hand) that his behavior has tarnished the league.
