The NFLPA Needs to Step Up

The NFL and the NFLPA need to step up and fix the broken mess of a system of NFL suspensions. Seeing that Orlando Scandrick was suspended for four games for testing positive for performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) is another black mark on the Ray Rice suspension. Especially when reports suggest that he tested positive for recreational drugs during the off-season. Not sure why his suspension was listed as PEDs since recreational drugs do not enhance performance. You also may have noticed that there have been quite a few notable suspensions so far this year. According to Matt Verderame at SBNation, there have already been 16 notable suspensions this year, with one more high profile case being decided - Josh Gordon. You can see his article here. When you look at the chart that Verderame created, you'll notice that there is a column that lists the reason for the suspension. Most of the suspensions are for PEDs and Substance Abuse (usually recreational drug use). Two players were suspended for Conduct Detrimental to the League. One was Nigel Bradham who is expected to fill in for the injured Kiko Alonso for the Bills. The other was Ray Rice for - well, we all know what Ray Rice did. These two suspensions are also the shortest on the list. Many of us are left wondering how a player could be suspended longer for recreational drug use than for knocking their significant other unconscious? Well, one is collectively bargained (PEDs & Substance abuse) and all the other stuff isn't. Let's take a look at a few other notable cases.

Plaxico Burress was suspended for four games by the Giants (not the NFL) in 2008 after his gun went off in a NYC nightclub, resulting in him shooting himself in the thigh. The length of the suspension doesn't bother me since it was for the remainder of that season and then Burress went to jail for two years. The problem I have is that Burress was reinstated right after he got out of jail and did not face any further suspension. I know he served his time, but couldn't the NFL have stepped up and suspended him at least another two games? You know, to help advocate for gun safety?

Michael Vick was arrested in the 2007 offseason and served a little less than two years in jail for running a dog fighting ring. After being reinstated in 2009, he was suspended for three games by the NFL. Seems like an appropriate amount of games for someone who committed a felony, right? Also, why was Vick suspended after serving his jail sentence but Burress wasn't? Was it just the timing of the arrests?

Ben Rothlisberger has twice been accused of sexual assault, but did not face a suspension until the second charge in 2010. Despite charges being dropped, Goodell suspended Big Ben for six games, though that amount was later reduced to four. What was the basis for this suspension if law enforcement officials decided there wasn't enough evidence to pursue charges? If the suspension was for conduct detrimental to the league, why did Goodell wait until after the charges were dropped to issue it?

Four players who committed (or allegedly committed) serious crimes that ultimately served NFL suspensions equal to or less than those that violated the leagues substance abuse policies. I'm not saying that drug use is not a problem in our society. I understand that it is and drug use should be taken seriously. But shouldn't gun safety also be taken seriously? What about animal cruelty? What about sexual assault? What about domestic violence? Who is Roger Goodell to decide which crimes are less important than others?

But what can be done to help fix this sad state of suspension affairs in the NFL. As I started this post - DeMaurice Smith and the NFLPA need to step up. For the meantime, Smith and union reps should announce that they want to work with Goodell in the future in handling non-PED/Substance Abuse suspension cases. You know, the stuff that isn't collectively bargained. Having more than one voice should at least help make future suspensions more consistent than they currently are and the players will feel that they will be more accurately judged - which should increase the likely hood of accepting the suspensions. When the time comes, however, the NFLPA needs to step up to the negotiating table with the owners and demand reforms to suspendible offenses. They need to demand that a panel of league and union appointed arbitrators will be in charge of hearings and issuing suspensions. Five of them would be a great starting point - 2 from the league, 2 from the union, and 1 jointly appointed. Goodell has shown that he cannot handle making suspension decisions on his own. I also strongly believe that players should be suspended from all team contact and activities if they are charged or arrested until the matter has been solved in court. After that, the panel of arbitrators can issue further punishment if necessary. This should include all PED/Substance Abuse cases. Goodell should handle none of it, but should be allowed to speak to the panel regarding owner concerns.

I don't know what the NFLPA would have to give up or give in to in order for the changes to be accepted by the owners, but anything (except for a longer regular season) should be on the table. After all, since when did cheating at a game become worse than breaking the law?