Report: New NFL substance abuse policy gives 3 strikes before first suspension

Mar 26, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference at the NFL Annual Meetings. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference at the NFL Annual Meetings. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports /
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A new NFL substance abuse policy is going to be introduced and there will much more leniency than we have seen before.

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The new policy is not yet official, but some details are starting to surface.

According to a report from Pro Football Talk, the new policy will allow three strikes before the first suspension is handed down. After six strikes against the NFL substance abuse policy, a player will receive a one-year band.

From the report:

"For a first violation, the player lands in the substance-abuse program.  The second violation results in a two-game fine.  The third violation triggers a four-game fine.At the fourth violation, suspensions commence.  Initially, it’s a four-game suspension.  For the fifth violation, the player is suspended 10 games.  At the sixth violation, the player is banished for a year."

There has been plenty of criticism over the past few years for the harsh punishments for failed drug tests — specifically marijuana — so the new policy should be viewed as a positive step forward for those who had questioned the league’s policy in the past.

What are your thoughts on the new policy? Sound off in the comments section below.

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