NFL states they will 'no longer rely on the legal system'

[Mr. Scot]

Well, that's fine and all, but I'm wondering how they'll go about this. I mean, is everyone still going to be all, "let the legal process run it's course" now? Are the players going to have to go through the legal process completely, and then the NFL does it's "own" investigation, further lengthening the process, as in Hardy's case?

Based on what they're saying, they're not going to wait for the legal system. They'll do their own investigation immediately, and if they find credible evidence of 'conduct detrimental' the player in question will be suspended.

[Moorgan]

Well, that's fine and all, but I'm wondering how they'll go about this.  I mean, is everyone still going to be all, "let the legal process run it's course" now?  Are the players going to have to go through the legal process completely, and then the NFL does it's "own" investigation, further lengthening the process, as in Hardy's case?  

That's what I'm saying about a situation where the NFL gets it wrong and the legal system proves someone's innocence or guilt vice the NFL. Then people will be upset and the NFL could potentially get sued. But it will have to be a better situation than the Hardy case. But rest assured one will come along.

 

Additionally, my initial thought is that this means the NFL will jump the gun on punishment but they will still go through their investigation as they said they did here for the first time (like this). The NFL could move faster than the law and then find itself in trouble when it makes a mistake. But it will be better than the NCAA...so there is a bright side.

[Nick_81]

Based on what they're saying, they're not going to wait for the legal system. They'll do their own investigation immediately, and if they find credible evidence of 'conduct detrimental' the player in question will be suspended.

That's what I was thinking.  At the same time though, what if their decision is completely contradicted by a court of law later down the line?  What if they punish a player, but the courts don't find the same "credible evidence" 6 months later when the real trial is held?  

[Mr. Scot]

That's what I'm saying about a situation where the NFL gets it wrong and the legal system proves someone's innocence or guilt vice the NFL. Then people will be upset and the NFL could potentially get sued. But it will have to be a better situation than the Hardy case. But rest assured one will come along.

Additionally, my initial thought is that this means the NFL will jump the gun on punishment but they will still go through their investigation as they said they did here for the first time (like this). The NFL could move faster than the law and then find itself in trouble when it makes a mistake. But it will be better than the NCAA...so there is a bright side.

I suspect 'behavior clauses' are about to become a pretty standard part of every NFL player's contract, and that they will include language to prevent that sort of thing.

Also, don't be surprised if guys with character concerns start finding it tougher to get a job.

[Mr. Scot]

That's what I was thinking. At the same time though, what if their decision is completely contradicted by a court of law later down the line? What if they punish a player, but the courts don't find the same "credible evidence" 6 months later when the real trial is held?

There's no such thing as a right to play in the NFL. Teams can dump you for being old, injured, fat or frankly just not as good as somebody else. How many other corporations could you say that about?

If a guy who was let go from a team for something like this is ultimately found innocent, then he'll probably be able to try and catch on with the team again, but I'm pretty sure the NFL will protect itself pretty thoroughly against any kind of legal consequences.

One other upshot of this though: Expect the next collective bargaining agreement negotiations to be pretty contentious over this matter.

[LUUUUUKE]

If you or I got caught breaking the law, do you think the courts would keep an employer from firing us?

If no, what makes you think they can stop the NFL from imposing discipline on players according to the rules they set?

To answer your question, no. That's just it Mr Scott, the NFL isn't even playing by the rules set up in the CBA, which is why every time it goes to arbitration or the courts, the NFL loses.

[Nick_81]

There's no such thing as a right to play in the NFL. Teams can dump you for being old, injured, fat or frankly just not as good as somebody else. How many other corporations could you say that about?

If a guy who was let go from a team for something like this is ultimately found innocent, then he'll probably be able to try and catch on with the team again, but I'm pretty sure the NFL will protect itself pretty thoroughly against any kind of legal consequences.

One other upshot of this though: Expect the next collective bargaining agreement negotiations to be pretty contentious over this matter.

Sure, I can agree with that, but it's not really a "right to play" situation.  They're talking about doing their own investigation, and punishing players according to that.  What if the actual court system has a completely opposite ruling on the situation. 

 

NFL suggests evidence finds Joe Blow guilty of "X," and punishes Joe Blow.  Courts say evidence supports innocence... What now?

[SCP]

Welcome to how the world works, NFL players.

If I act like a dumbass and conduct myself in a way that makes my company look bad, I will no longer be employed.

[Jangler]

This is how Nazi Germany got started.

[MadHatter]

Sure, I can agree with that, but it's not really a "right to play" situation.  They're talking about doing their own investigation, and punishing players according to that.  What if the actual court system has a completely opposite ruling on the situation. 

 

NFL suggests evidence finds Joe Blow guilty of "X," and punishes Joe Blow.  Courts say evidence supports innocence... What now?

 

Same thing that happens with every employee of every company....your company can fire or suspend you for violation for violation of any company policy.  They do not need a legal guilty verdict to do so.

[Montsta]

Welcome to how the world works, NFL players.

If I act like a dumbass and conduct myself in a way that makes my company look bad, I will no longer be employed.

You drove all over the country in a Chevy Aveo compact and posted it on social media. I'm pretty sure there is nothing you could do to get fired from your job there SCP.

[countryboi]

I really dont care what policy the NFL uses just as long as they are consistent about it. 

[Mr. Scot]

To answer your question, no. That's just it Mr Scott, the NFL isn't even playing by the rules set up in the CBA, which is why every time it goes to arbitration or the courts, the NFL loses.

They've lost the prior two cases based on the argument that they were applying new rules to cases that happened before those rules were in place.

That's not going to apply to anybody else in the future. The rules are in force now and everybody knows it.

[Mr. Scot]

Same thing that happens with every employee of every company....your company can fire or suspend you for violation for violation of any company policy. They do not need a legal guilty verdict to do so.

Pretty much.

Real world rules apply now. And I suspect some athletes are probably going to have a hard time with that.