In the wake of the Aaron Hernandez murder investigation, some fans are asking: “What does the National Football League do to ensure responsible conduct by its employees?”
As Commissioner Goodell noted in 2007 when the league expanded and strengthened its Personal Conduct Policy: “We hold ourselves to higher standards of responsible conduct because of what it means to be part of the National Football League. It is important that the NFL be represented consistently by outstanding people as well as great football players, coaches, and staff.”
The NFL has a wide array of policies, programs and resources to assist and encourage responsible behavior by coaches, players, staff and their families. There are awareness and educational programs held year-round throughout a player’s career, beginning at the Rookie Symposium which took place this week in Aurora, Ohio.
Click here to learn more about the programs nflplayerengagement.com.
The NFL is concerned about and addresses any action by an employee that undermines respect and support for the NFL. One negative incident is one too many. When it comes to players, you should know that there are almost 3,000 players that are part of the NFL each year. The average arrest rate per year of NFL players is two percent, far lower than the 10 percent arrest rate for the equivalent national population of males 20-34, according to FBI crime statistics. The arrest rate of NFL players is even lower than the arrest rate for the entire general population, which is 3-4 percent, according to the FBI’s crime stats.
All NFL employees are accountable for their conduct under the league’s Personal Conduct Policy.
Click on the link below to see how the NFL Personal Conduct Policy works.
Related Links: PDF Version
