As arrests pile up, how does Goodell's plan rate?
by Alex Marvez
Alex Marvez is a Senior
NFL Writer for FOX Sports.com.
Updated: May 8, 2008, 3:21 PM EST
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said his intention was "protecting the shield" when unveiling a tougher personal conduct policy.
Thirteen months later, arrows are still being fired at the league's trademark logo.
Twenty-five players have run afoul of the law since Super Bowl XLII. That is a three-player increase from the same span following last year's championship game, according to research compiled by the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The longest stretch without an arrest or citation this offseason is a mere 11 days. The majority of 2008 incidents are related to drugs/alcohol (11) or assaults against women (seven).
Many of the charges may ultimately be dropped or reduced, but the damage to the NFL's image already is done.
Another round of bad publicity also could be forthcoming. The draft has passed and personnel moves are slowing to a trickle. Any player arrests before the preseason begins will garner more media attention in the absence of other NFL news.
Such episodes seem inevitable — especially among young, single, wealthy males who can enjoy the nightlife more now than during the regular season.
The Union-Tribune reported that arrests/citations of NFL players between April 2007 and 2008 were down 20 percent (76 to 62) from the previous 12-month stretch. But five active players were popped since the story's release in mid-April. Plus, some of the college players that are entering the NFL come with baggage.
Steeper fines don't appear to have curtailed misbehavior. First-time offenders know the odds of a suspension are unlikely. Only two of the seven players barred for at least part of last season under the personal conduct policy didn't have multiple convictions on their police record.
FULL STORY
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8117702?MSNHPHMA
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