A great move by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, he modified the league's "code of conduct" policy with the assistance of the player's association. This groundbreaking (for sports) policy holds all members of each organization responsible for their actions, that alone is a rarity in today's society.
The new rules also state that it doesn't necessarily matter what the courts decide, that the league can discipline you for being involved in bad behavior without a conviction or trial. Two things that make this policy great are: extending the code of conduct to all employees of the league and each team, so from the video guy to the assistant travel secretary everyone is accountable. Secondly, the league is adding counseling for incoming rookies and for policy offenders. THAT is a fantastic addition, not just telling everyone to keep on the straight and narrow, but giving them assistance to do so. In the words of a great beer commercial...BRILLIANT!
The first casualties of the policy are Cincinnati Bengals WR Chris Henry and Tennessee Titans CB Adam "Pac Man" Jones. Henry, who was suspended for a few games last season for a long list of arrests, was suspended for 8 games on 2007 season for having another arrest this off-season. Jones received a more severe penalty, he is suspended for the entire 2007 season. Another addition is that, after suspensions are served, the players must apply for reinstatement, it is not automatic. But, by instituting the counseling assistance as well, the NFL will provide troubled players with the help they may need to straighten out.
This helps everyone. The league can clean it's image, the players can clean themselves up and not throw away promising careers. Again, BRILLIANT! This policy should be used by the NBA and other leagues,too in my opinion. In less than one year on the job, Mr. Goodell has really made a name for himself already. Well done, Mr. Commissioner, well done.
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