If you’re a fan of the NFL, you’ve probably seen the league hand down suspensions to play or coaches for “violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy.” The most recent example was Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller, who received a four-game suspension for this reason. What is the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy, and what exactly does it entail?
Examining the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy
The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy is a lengthy document that spells out how all NFL employees must carry themselves, including “owners, coaches, players, other team employees, game officials, and employees of the league office, NFL Films, NFL Network, or any other NFL business.”
The personal conduct policy opens with the following statement: “It is a privilege to be part of the National Football League. Everyone who is part of the league must refrain from conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in the NFL.
“Conduct by anyone in the league that is illegal, violent, dangerous, or irresponsible puts innocent victims at risk, damages the reputation of others in the game, and undercuts public respect and support for the NFL. We must endeavor at all times to be people of high character; we must show respect for others inside and outside our workplace; and we must conduct ourselves in ways that favorably reflect on ourselves, our teams, the communities we represent, and the NFL.
“To this end, the league provides annual and ongoing education regarding the Policy and related topics such as respect and appropriate behavior, as well as resources for all employees to assist them in conforming their behavior to the standards expected of them. Our goal is to prevent violations, but when violations of this Policy do occur, appropriate disciplinary action must follow.”
You can view the entire personal conduct policy here. It also states that simply because charges are not filed against an NFL employee does not mean they are exempt from discipline.
"There does not need to be a criminal violation to be a violation of the personal conduct policy."
Roger Goodell speaks on the NFL's investigation and possible suspension of Deshaun Watson. pic.twitter.com/KuuqUiItLB
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ)
The personal conduct policy states: “It is not enough simply to avoid being found guilty of a crime in a court of law. We are all held to a higher standard and must conduct ourselves in a way that is responsible, promotes the values of the NFL, and is lawful. Players convicted of a crime or subject to a disposition of a criminal proceeding (as defined in this Policy) are subject to discipline. But even if the conduct does not result in a criminal conviction, players found to have engaged in any of the following conduct will be subject to discipline.”
What Conduct Is Prohibited By the NFL?
According to the Personal Conduct Policy, prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to the following:
- Actual or threatened physical violence against another person, including dating violence, domestic violence, child abuse, and other forms of family violence
- Assault and/or battery, including sexual assault or other sex offenses
- Violent or threatening behavior toward another employee or a third party in any workplace setting
- Stalking, harassment, or similar forms of intimidation
- Illegal possession of a gun or other weapon (such as explosives, toxic substances, and the like), or possession of a gun or other weapon in any workplace setting
- Illegal possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or drugs
- Possession, use, or distribution of steroids or other performance-enhancing substances
- Crimes involving cruelty to animals as defined by state or federal law
- Crimes of dishonesty such as blackmail, extortion, fraud, money laundering, or racketeering
- Theft-related crimes such as burglary, robbery, or larceny
- Disorderly conduct
- Crimes against law enforcement, such as obstruction, resisting arrest, or harming a police officer or other law enforcement officer
- Conduct that poses a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person
- Conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL personnel
Resources the NFL Offers to Employees
The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy isn’t just about disciplining league employees. The NFL also offers counseling, clinical evaluations, and other services to players and victims.
NFL personal conduct policy, sign was hanging in the Lions facility the other day pic.twitter.com/MtRtQwiApr
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett)
The policy states: “Any player arrested or charged with violent or threatening conduct that would violate this Policy will be offered a formal clinical evaluation and appropriate follow-up education, counseling, or treatment program, the cost of which will be paid by the league. The evaluation, counseling and other services will be provided on a confidential basis and are not disciplinary but are instead intended to help and assist the player, and the beneficial use of such services will be favorably viewed with respect to any discipline later imposed.
“In appropriate cases (for example, cases involving domestic violence or child abuse), the league will make available assistance to victims and families, as well as the player. This assistance may include providing or direction to appropriate counseling, social and other services, clergy, medical professionals, and specialists in dealing with children and youth.
“These resources will be provided through specialized Critical Response Teams affiliated with the league office and club. These teams will develop standard protocols based on experts’ recommendations of appropriate and constructive responses to reported incidents of violence, particularly incidents of domestic violence, child abuse, or sexual assault. These response teams will assist victims and families in matters of personal security and other needs following a reported incident. In addition, information about local non-league resources to help victims and family members will be provided to affected parties.”
