QUESTION
What crimes should the NFL punish and when should they punish (before arraignment? After conviction?
Should the NFL punish tax evaders? Folks accused of DUI?
Apparently some folks think that the NFL should view a video and kick the guy out of the league indefinitely. In this way the NFL augment the legal process and have its own systems of laws and punishment. Even AFTER the fact, the NFL has decided that the punishment should be six games in addition to the punishments set out by society.
THE REAL QUESTION
Why should the NFL add punishments to those that the society has decided upon?
There are indeed work-related issues than are punished by employers. After all, workers can be punished for being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, even where they are legal. There are lots and lots of appearance and workplace issues that are punished, as is reasonable.
Personally, I think that Peterson can and should sue the Vikings for his one week of lost pay (and any incentives lost). The alternative is the players are employees at will, subject to firing at the whim of the owner.
Rice is considering his appeal the rulings by the league. And contrary to the public nonsense, he will work again in the NFL. If Rice has wronged his wife, as he obviously has, she can sue him for lots and lots of money. The issue is not the business of the NFL. it is a police and legal matter.
The NFL certainly can decide to make no felonies a condition of continued employment. And teams can certainly suspend players who are arrested, depending on the terms of the CBA. Beyond this. lies
the slippery slope.
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JUST BY THE WAY
I am NOT commenting on what punishments society should mete our for spousal abuse or excessive child discipline. That is for society to decide though its institutions. It happens that I believe that these crimes are not given a high enough sentence. More importantly, there are biases in who get sentenced to longer terms. BTW, I would add felony DUI (resulting in harm or death) to the list of crimes where the sentence is not high enough.
In any case, it is not the NFL's business to decide what punishment should given for certain crimes, although it certainly can decided not to hire prior felons. Personally, I don't see why the NFL would do this. This may be important for banks or security firms. It is not important for the NFL. Are we to not allow those convicted of stealing a car from ever playing in the NFL?