NFL Conduct Policy Outline, 2014

THE NEW NFL PERSONAL
CONDUCT POLICY
The NFL has developed a new Personal Conduct Policy that applies to all NFL personnel owners,
coaches, players, other team employees, game officials and league office employees. The policy
was developed after discussions with more than 150 experts from across the country including
domestic violence and sexual assault experts, advocates and survivors, law enforcement officials,
academic experts, business leaders, current and former players and the NFL Players Association.
HOW DOES IT WORK? The policy establishes clear standards of behavior for all NFL personnel. Clubs are
obligated to promptly report any potential violation of the policy that comes to their attention and must fully
cooperate with any related law enforcement and NFL investigations. When a potential violation occurs, the NFL will
provide evaluation and counseling services for the player or employee, as well as resources to assist victims and
families. The NFL will follow a fair and predictable process for investigating the incident and ultimately taking
disciplinary action if a violation has occurred. Here is how the process works:
POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF PERSONAL CONDUCT POLICY OCCURS
NFL INVESTIGATION
Any time the league becomes aware of conduct
that may violate the policy, it will undertake an
investigation conducted by the NFL Special Counsel
for Investigations and Conduct, who will oversee the
NFLs investigatory procedures and issue initial
discipline for violations of the policy.
WHAT IS THE NFL

CONDUCT COMMITTEE?
The NFL Conduct Committee
is a panel of nine NFL
owners responsible for
reviewing the policy at least
annually and recommending
changes to the policy going
forward. Subject-matter
experts, former players and
executives will advise the
Conduct Committee and the
Commissioner and
his staff on both education
and discipline.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
INVESTIGATION
In cases also being investigated by law
enforcement, the NFL will avoid any
interference and may await the outcome of
law enforcement proceedings before
completing the NFL investigation.
PAID LEAVE
(COMMISSIONER EXEMPT LIST)
An individual may be put on paid leave if formally charged
with a violent crime or sexual assault, or if the NFL
investigation finds sufficient credible evidence that it
appears a violation of the policy has occurred. Paid leave
will last until the completion of the NFL investigation or
disposition of a criminal charge.
ONGOING
CRIMINAL
PROCEEDINGS
NFL INVESTIGATION / CRIMINAL

PROCEEDINGS CONCLUDE
NFL DISCIPLINARY DECISION
RESOURCES FOR
VICTIMS AND FAMILIES
An individual is subject to discipline under the policy if the person is

determined to be guilty of a criminal charge or if the NFL
investigation demonstrates the person engaged in conduct
prohibited by the policy. Depending on the nature of the violation and
the persons record, discipline may be a fine, suspension, community
service, or a combination of the three. Violations involving assault,
battery, domestic violence or sexual assault will result in a baseline
six-game suspension without pay, with more if aggravating factors
are present, such as the use of a weapon or a crime against a child.
A second offense will result in banishment from the NFL.
In cases of domestic violence, child

abuse, or sexual assault, league and
club-level Critical Response Teams will
provide immediate support to assist
victims and families, from counseling
to medical attention to social and
other services. All league and club
personnel will receive education on
these issues on an ongoing basis.
RESPONSE OF INDIVIDUAL
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE

CLUBS IN DISCIPLINE?
The individual is given notice of proposed discipline and can choose to

appeal the decision while remaining on paid leave during the duration
of the appeal. In cases of a criminal conviction, the underlying
conviction can not be challenged and the courts judgment and factual
findings are binding for the purposes of the NFL disciplinary process.
NFL EXPERT PANEL HEARING

The appeal process will include a review panel of three outside experts
to make recommendations to the Commissioner or his designee on an
appeal ruling that will be decided by the Commissioner or his designee.
FINAL DECISION
The Commissioner or his designee reviews the panels
recommendations and makes a final decision on disciplinary measures.
Clubs must report any potential

violation that comes to their
attention whether through law
enforcement, a witness, a victim or
other source. The responsibility to
report is required and will be
strictly enforced. Failure to report
an incident will be grounds for
disciplinary action.
Individual clubs may set specific
standards of conduct for their
players and personnel so long as
those policies do not contradict or
supersede the NFL Personal
Conduct Policy. Clubs may elect to
take other additional measures,
including the imposition of fines,
suspensions and terminating a
players contract.
ADDITIONAL VIOLATIONS OF THE PERSONAL CONDUCT

POLICY CAN RESULT IN BANISHMENT FROM THE NFL.

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THE NEW NFL PERSONAL

POSSIBLE VIOLATION OF PERSONAL CONDUCT POLICY OCCURS

WHAT IS THE NFL

NFL INVESTIGATION / CRIMINAL

NFL DISCIPLINARY DECISION

An individual is subject to discipline under the policy if the person is

In cases of domestic violence, child

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE

The individual is given notice of proposed discipline and can choose to

NFL EXPERT PANEL HEARING

Clubs must report any potential

ADDITIONAL VIOLATIONS OF THE PERSONAL CONDUCT

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