The cases in which the NFL has not been consistent in sanctioning players for off-field conduct

The structure of the NFL has made this league one of the most serious and recognized worldwide among other sports leagues and usually applies exemplary sanctions to its players, not only for sports reasons, but for behaviors outside of sports, however there are certain cases in which the sanctions are not so equitable.

For example, in 2015 the NFL did not impose any suspension on Aaron Hernandez, who was arrested for murder. The New England Patriots cut the player, while Roger Goodell limited himself to saying that no team could offer him a contract until his legal status was determined. Some time later, Hernández committed suicide in his cell after being found guilty.

In this way, the NFL has been marked by some strange sanctions, which have been or very severe in some cases, while in others the punishments have fallen short, so that a homicide has been less serious than protesting during the anthem, for example.

Deshaun Watson suspended six games for sexual assault and harassment

One of the most recent cases that has sparked controversy is that of the Cleveland Browns quarterback, who was charged with sexually harassing and assaulting up to 24 women in Texas in 2019.

Although the NFL requested a one-year suspension, the player was only suspended for six games, that is, a little over a month, after the intervention of the defense of the players’ union, so that despite the seriousness of the situation, the player will have a lesser sanction than gambling cases, for example.

Calvin Ridley banned for a year for betting on NFL games

The Atlanta Falcons wide receiver was suspended throughout the 2022 season after becoming involved in betting on games in the same league at the end of 2021.

“Your actions put the integrity of the game at riskthreaten to damage the public’s confidence in professional football and potentially undermined the reputations of his fellow NFL players.” Goodell communicated to the player.

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El veto a Colin Kaepernick

It may be the most injustice case in NFL history. Kolin Karpernick was banned from the NFL during former President Donald Trump’s first year in office. The then San Francisco 49ers quarterback knelt several times during the anthem ceremony. of the United States as a form of protest against immigration policies and abuse against the African-American community.

The player was released by the 49ers for “violating NFL policies” and he was not hired by any other team again. Late in Trump’s term, Goodell apologized and accepted the league’s failure to protect its own players.

In August 2009, the Browns’ wide receiver he was suspended for a year after pleading guilty to running over a person, who died in the accident. The player was driving under the influence of alcohol and was sentenced to 30 days in prison, which was actually 24, as he was released for good behavior.

Donte Stallworth avoided charges after reaching an agreement with the victim’s family and in the NFL was suspended for a year, which is the same period that was sought against Deshaun Watson for sexual harassment and assault and that ultimately resulted in a six-game suspension.

NFL has not been so consistent in sanctioning players for off-field conduct

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Suspensions dependent on convictions

Other cases have remained as indefinite suspensions, which actually depend on the sentence time in some things, such as that of Aaron Hernández, who after being arrested for homicide, was not formally suspended by the NFL.

Frank Flichock had been banned for life in 1974, although he actually returned in 1950.

Michael Vick was suspended indefinitely after being involved in clandestine dog fights. He went to prison for two years and after being released he returned to playing.

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