NFL, NFLPA Buckling Down on DUIs

It has taken way too long for this to be implemented. The NFL and NFLPA are finally coming to some sort of disciplinary agreement on DUI’s amongst players. This policy, though, won’t be finished until the HGH testing policy is in place, according to Alex Marvez of FoxSports.com:

A source told FOX Sports that the delay stems largely from the trickle-down effect the new HGH policy will have on other league programs, guidelines and the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Once the HGH testing plan is finalized — the NFL and NFLPA continued to work toward an agreement Monday — a new alcohol policy is expected to follow.

The NFL has pushed for a mandatory suspension for any player who is convicted of an alcohol-related driving offense. An NFLPA source told FOX Sports that “players have been open to discussions and already discussed increasing discipline on DUIs.

This week, HGH testing is in the final stages of negotiations as the NFL and NFLPA determine things such as appeals in the process. More importantly, this increases accountability among players in the league for their actions. This people are in the spotlight, are the role models amongst America’s youth, and have a certain standard to uphold. It’s unfortunate that something like this is even necessary. It seems that both sides are taking this seriously, especially considering the amount of DUI arrests that have already occurred. Marvez points out that there have been 10 arrests so far this year and 17 the whole year last year. This is a trend that should not continue.

Punishment is one thing though. That won’t help players who have problems or who are, somehow, unaware of the repercussions of alcohol impairment. Adolpho Birch, who heads the NFL’s drug-testing programs, talks about different aspects of this new policy besides just discipline:

“From our end, we look at three or four different areas where we provide education, awareness and resources. We also look at deterrents,” Birch said. “We need all to be as effective as they can to reduce the incidents as much as possible.

“We’ve made a lot of strides in some areas but not so far on the deterrent end. We’re trying to make sure the consequences for such behavior outweigh the risk that the player in particular is willing to take. It’s something we’ve talked to the Players Association for a year about. We firmly believe the need to increase that deterrent. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

It is easy to say that millions of dollars should deter this type of behavior. For many it does. But there must be some sort of accountability. These types of incidents put a black eye on the NFL. Josh Brent, recently retired of the Cowboys, is example enough of how quickly things can go from good to out of control. As the NFL continues to grow in America, it will be more and more important to not only set a standard for the players to act by but ensure that players understand the repercussions of driving under the influence and learn ways to avoid this deadly practice.

What do you think of the new policy on DUI’s in the NFL? Find us on Facebook and Twitter! Follow me at @heauxgue and tell me what you think!