How intent is NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on ridding the league of players who get in trouble off the field? So much that the Washington Post reports that he's considering lifetime bans for players convicted of serious crimes.The lifetime bans wouldn't apply to the three NFL players whose off-field problems have garnered the most attention -- Tennessee's Pacman Jones, Cincinnati's Chris Henry and Chicago's Tank Johnson -- but they could apply to other players down the line. Union chief Gene Upshaw doesn't sound like he's completely opposed to the idea, saying only:
"None of these cases we're talking about will be a permanent ban," Upshaw said in a telephone interview. "I don't think we're at that point yet with these cases. We understand there will be some type of suspension, but not that."
No player has ever been suspended more the four games under the league's current personal conduct policy, although former Carolina Panthers receiver Rae Carruth received an indefinite suspension after he was arrested -- but before he was convicted -- of conspiring to murder his girlfriend. A lifetime ban would be unprecedented, but Goodell sounds as though he wants to take unprecedented actions.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Sounds like a good deal to me. Those spoiled little boys need to grow up. They are playing a GAME and need to realize just how fortunate they are.
Posted at 1:08PM on Apr 4th 2007 by Genevieve
2. They need to force some code of conduct or code of ethics for these men. They are PROFESSIONALS representing their city and they are heros to many young children. Having a criminal record is sending out a bad message to children, saying you can get away with it because you play for the NFL. That is why I like College Football better!
Posted at 2:07PM on Apr 4th 2007 by Stephanie
3. It surprises me that someones job should be endangered because of something that happens away from the workplace....or in the off season. If a player or coach has a contract that does not contain the language defining his behavior off field and off season and off the job. And, he performs well on the field (at work, on the job). Then leave him alone, I know many people who get in trouble off the job and as long as they are able to return to work on time and perform their job up to their employers expectations, they are not arbitrarily discharged or banned. Discharge or banishment in this instance is the equivalent of "economic capital punishment". As such, it cannot be applied at will across the board as their are entenuating circumstance in each individual case.
Posted at 2:19PM on Apr 4th 2007 by Ja Sal
4. say Ja what kind of trouble do YOU get into?? do you want your kids looking up to a person like pacman??
Posted at 10:16AM on Apr 5th 2007 by keith