Monday, May 28, 2007

Crime and Punishment in the NFL

Image and conduct have been a long-standing problem within professional sports. Every time a television is turned on or a newspaper is opened there is a story involving the arrest, conviction, or suspension of another sports figure. However, the punishment for these athletes never seems to match the extent of the crimes. Sports fans are growing weary of the message today’s youth continues to witness time and again as professional athletes behave unprofessionally with minimal repercussions. The increasing dissatisfaction has become so significant that the NFL, the leader in professional sports conduct enforcement, has decided to implement a new league conduct policy. With the structure of teamwork between the Commissioner and Players Association, increased education, and strict discipline, this new policy promises to effectively decrease the misconduct in the NFL.

The greatest downfall of most conduct policies in professional sports today is the constant disagreement between a league commissioner and the players’ association. It would seem that the NFL has already overcome this problem. With Commissioner Roger Goodell’s recognition of the ineffectiveness the current and long-standing policies have had, he has taken it upon himself to expand and improve the system with the full support of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). After the announced implementation of the new policy, the NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw showed his support, acknowledging, “We believe that these are steps that the commissioner needs to take and we support the policy” (“NFL Strengthens”). As if the approval of the NFLPA wasn’t sufficient, a Player Advisory Council has also been established to expand the ruling body for the purpose of addressing future issues. Made up of active players from various teams, this council will serve as the voice of the athletes beyond that of the NFLPA. Unlike other professional sports, where arguments and disagreements between commissioners and association result in bitter negotiations and often escalate into strikes, the NFL has unified and expanded to assure that everyone is taken into account when working toward upholding the integrity of the League.

A key component in the new conduct policy is the expanded education that will be put into practice to help first-year players transitioning into the league as well as to help veterans deal with their lives in the spotlight. Most first-year players that enter into the NFL are young adults who have only recently graduated from college and, frequently, are making the transition immediately after their junior year. These young adults will largely be college students that have struggled with finances through their college careers. The sudden shift into the spotlight can be overwhelming and exciting as they almost immediately find themselves on television, fawned over by adoring fans, and taking on more financial income than ever before. The new NFL conduct policy has mandated several educational functions that will help these players adjust. An annual rookie symposium of all drafted players followed up with year-round orientation has been established for rookies, and all employees will benefit from an expanded annual life-skills program, annual briefings pertaining to law, and club implemented law compliance programs (“NFL Strengthens”). Even with all the new programs being initiated for educating players, the NFL understands that problems will still arise. To address these issue, the policy will also include expanded counseling and treatment programs.

Although many steps are being taken to prevent any future disciplinary problems, the NFL conduct policy has also instituted higher fines and suspension for players that still display conduct inappropriate for the NFL image. In the 2006 calendar year alone, there were 36 individual players arrested or brought up on charges (“NFL Players”). Of these 36 individuals, Chris Henry of the Cincinnati Bengals and Adam “Pacman” Jones of the Tennessee Titans were involved in multiple incidents. In response to these incidents, and in conjunction with the installment of the new policy, Commissioner Goodell addressed them as bringing “embarrassment and ridicule upon yourself, your club, and the NFL” and enacted an eight game suspension for Henry, while ending Jones’ season for 2007 (Battista). Although the conditions of the suspension vary slightly between the two players, both players must exhibit model behavior during their term of suspension to avoid further disciplinary actions, and neither is guaranteed reinstatement upon the end of their leave. At the conclusion of their suspension, they must both apply for reinstatement, at which time they will be reviewed to determine whether the NFL feels they have earned the right to return. “You have put in jeopardy an otherwise promising NFL career,” Commissioner Goodell wrote to both Jones and Henry (Bell). If Jones is convicted of current allegations, or either player acts with conduct inappropriate for the NFL, the Commissioner will most likely refuse any reinstatements.

With fan tolerance reaching its threshold, the NFLPA has published the rules and regulations of the conduct policy for anyone who wishes to review its contents. The policy has been written for any “Covered Persons” within the NFL establishment and includes all full-time employees, players, rookies selected in the Draft, as well as undrafted rookies, unsigned veterans and any other prospective employee commenced in negotiations (“Rules and Regulations”). This conduct is not only limited to crimes that end in arrest. The NFL has established its right to enforce this policy on any Covered Person that is involved in any conduct deemed detrimental to the image of the league, whether or not they are charged, convicted, or engaged in any criminal activity. It is also clearly stated within the regulations that all arrests or criminal charges that are not public knowledge must be reported to the individual’s Club or NFL security immediately and that failure to report will result in consideration of higher penalties when determining disciplinary action (“Rules and Regulations”). Although the policy does inform all employees of their right to appeal any disciplinary actions brought up against them, it seems perfectly clear that the NFL has no intention of taking any conduct that is ruled detrimental to the game lightly.

Although it has seemed that a majority of NFL players are in agreement with all the new conduct policies, there have been individuals who have announced their doubt or dissatisfaction. Keyshawn Johnson, a former receiver for the Carolina Panthers, expressed some of his doubts and concerns when he said: “I hope it doesn’t backfire. What happens if a coach, GM or owner gets a DUI? Then what? What if an ex-NFL player throws himself through a window in Miami? That still reflects on the NFL’s image” (Bell). Although Johnson asks some interesting questions, these shouldn’t raise any concern of a “backfire” with the new policies. Coaches and GM’s have received fines in the past and are not above the ruling of the Commissioner, and although it may be difficult to suspend a team owner, heavy team fines and denial of national television slots are still detrimental to an owner’s bottom line. As for an ex-NFL player throwing himself from a window, this player is no longer under the jurisdiction of the league, and it would seem the player had already punished himself.

Another player who has spoken out openly against the new conduct policy has been Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp. Sapp’s concerns have been directed more toward the recent suspension of “Pacman” Jones. “What the hell rule did he break?” Sapp questioned. “Oh, that ‘we can do whatever we want’ rule. Believe me, you don’t want to be there. Some people said that Pacman might want to appeal. To who? God?” (Bell). Sapp’s concern has been directed at the most recent incident involving Jones, where Jones may face felony charges for a dispute in a Las Vegas strip club that left a security guard paralyzed. Although no convictions have been made, this incident is the tenth time Jones has had a run-in with law enforcement since his draft in 2005 (Bell). Jones’ constant involvement with criminal activity is in itself detrimental to the image of the NFL, regardless of his convictions.

Although no policy will ever eradicate all occurrences involving individuals who surround themselves with inappropriate crowds and surroundings, the new conduct policy enforced by the NFL has opened a doorway for better education and support for its employees. The disciplinary repercussions are greater and offer a larger deterrent for individuals that insist on continuing to pursue inappropriate behavior, and the Commissioner’s option to refuse reinstatement can remove repeat offenders from the presence of the NFL. The policy promises to better control the image of professional football and allows openings for adjustment as new problems arise. It’s time for players to start behaving like professionals. It’s time they realize their positions for what they are. As Commissioner Goodell has been quoted saying across all forms of media, “To play in the NFL is a privilege, not a right.”

Works Cited

Battista, Judy. “NFL Suspends 2 Players for Personal Conduct.” The New York Times. 10 Apr. 2007. 26 Apr. 2007. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/10/sports/football/11cndnfl.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Bell, Jarrett. “Conduct unbecoming: NFL sets new standard with suspensions.” USA Today. Apr. 2007. 26 Apr. 2007. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-04-10-pacman-henry-suspensions_N.htm.

“NFL Players Arrested This Year.” 2006. The Washington Post. 26 Apr. 2007. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sports/nfl/longterm/2006/nfl_chart_12162006.html

“NFL strengthens personal conduct policy.” NFL.com. 26 Apr. 2007. 14 Apr. 2007. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/10119182.

“Rules and Regulations: Conduct Policy.” NFL Players Association. 26 Apr. 2007. http://www.nflpa.org/RulesAndRegs/ConductPolicy.aspx.

41st Annual Miami dolphins Award Night

On Thursday evening May 3rd, 2007, the Miami Dolphins held their 41st annual Awards night under the cover of their Davie, Florida indoor practice facility. Although it’s an event to recognize members of the Dolphin franchise, it also recognizes achievers of the community for their outstanding works and contributions. Kicking off with dinner and the opportunity for Dol-Fans to meet and mingle with players, this sold out event attracted Dol-Fans that flew in from all parts of the country.

Opening with a performance by the Dolphin cheerleaders, Jimmy Cefalo and Kenny Walker jumped into the evening as this years award show hosts by calling out and introducing the entire 2007 coaching staff and players. The electricity of lights, cameras, music and the roaring applause of the crowd filled the facility as, one by one, each coach and player crossed the stage as this years Dolphin team.

As a franchise that prides itself on character and an outpour of service to its community, it was only fitting to begin the awards with the recognition of South Florida’s outstanding citizens. An amazing group of individuals, this years recipients of the Community Service Awards, presented by wide receiver Chris Chambers, were handed to Jerry Gordon, Cedric Hooper, and an amazing 10 year old by the name of Eddie Hurowitz. At the age of 10, Eddie wrote a grant requesting art supplies for a homeless shelter that he volunteers at in an attempt to bring art to the homeless children of South Florida. Of the numerous grants written in this year, Eddie’s was chosen as the best.

Also recognized at this event were a number of high school players of the week and this year’s outstanding player of the year. A High School Coach of the Year was recognized aside from the Coaches of the Week that were announced. Then Dolphins Linebacker Zach Thomas presented the Junior Courage Award to Ronald Jackson, a young gentleman that took heart and displayed strength among his teammates after the loss of his mother. All-in-all, this years individually recognized community members were an outstanding example of great character and extraordinary achievement.

Following the community awards, the ceremony moved forward by the individual recognition and appearance of the 2007 Miami Dolphins Draft class. Beginning with the introduction of their final pick in the seventh round and moving in reverse each individual was recognized as he took the stage. Seventh round, sixth round, fourth round and through quarterback John Beck taken 40th overall in the second round. Each of these individuals took the stage. All except the first round draft pick Ted Ginn, Jr., who remained absent from the stage after Randy Mueller announced his name, introducing the Miami Dolphins #1 draft pick of 2007.

Moving into the main events of the evening, John Offerdahl was introduced to the stage as the presenter of the 2006 Don Shula Leadership Award. Offerdahl, drafted in the second round in 1986, was a five time Pro Bowler out of Western Michigan University who played his entire career with the Dolphins from 1986 to 1993. The Don Shula Leadership Award is an award voted on by Dolphin players to recognize individuals that display leadership on and off the field. This year’s recipient was defensive end Jason Taylor, accepting the accolade for the second time (2002) in his career as a Miami Dolphin. Taylor took the opportunity in front of the podium to express his congratulations to all the recipients of this years community awards. He then proceeded to give his thanks to teammates, expressing his gratitude for their hard work and dedication to the organization.

The Nat Moore Community Service Award was presented next by none other than Nat Moore himself. Nat Moore was a wide receiver drafted in the third round of the 1974 draft by the Miami Dolphins. He spent his entire 13-year career from 1974 to 1986 with the team and is well known for his humanitarian services. He is the creator of The Nat Moore Foundation for disadvantaged youth in Miami-Dade County founded in 1998. This year he presented the Community Service Award to Safety Renaldo Hill. In 2003, Renaldo founded the “Top of the Hill Foundation,” an organization helping 11-17 year old orphans. He went to eight High Schools this past year for R.A.P. (Reaching and Accessing People) sessions, teaching Student Athletes about peer pressure, academics, family life, personal/school balance, and life after school. In Liberty City, Renaldo held a Back-to-School Program where he provided 21 children with backpacks, uniforms, and other school necessities. In the 2006 year he also held a Ticket Giveaway for the YMCA, visited a local school every week of the NFL season, built a home with Habitat for Humanity, provided food baskets or Thanksgiving Dinner to needy families, and provided clothes and toys to 21 families during Christmas.

The final Award of the evening was the Dan Marino Most Valuable Player Award, and although Marino himself wasn’t able to be present to present the award, Bob Griese was given the honor. The No. 1 draft choice in 1967, Bob Griese is a name that any true football fan would recognize. In his career as a Miami Dolphin, Griese led his team to three AFC titles and two Super Bowl wins. This year, Bob Griese was pleased to award the Dan Marino MVP Award to Jason Taylor, who was honored to be the recipient of two awards for this past season. Taylor lead his teams with 13.5 sacks this past season, he also recovered nine fumbles, and returned two interceptions for touchdowns, increasing his career touchdowns to seven. The Dolphins won all seven of his touchdown scoring games. Taylor also broke the 100 career sack plateau this season, was elected into the Pro Bowl, and received the NFL Player of the Year Award, only the third Dolphin to ever receive this honor. Since his draft in the 3rd round in 1997, the Dolphins have ranked near the top in overall defense. A leader off the field, in the locker room, and on the field, Jason Taylor received hardy applause as he accepted his second award of the evening.

To cap off the end of the evening Miami Dolphins new head Coach Cam Cameron took the podium to give his keynote address. Met with cheers and applause Coach Cameron expressed his excitement over his new team in Miami. Looking ahead to great accomplishments in Miami, he points to the character of the players on the Dolphins. He states that character is a trait that should have already been established in an individual at this point in their life, and that the Dolphin organization has good character and that they drafted this year on character. Coach Cameron believes that such character brings strong work ethics, and team players that can work to refine their talent. So he closed out the evening, along with whistles and cheers as he stated into the microphone: “We are the Miami Dolphins…we will make you proud, and we promise you that together, together we will bring you a championship! Because we are the Miami Dolphins!”