Around the League...Training Camp Style!

[SirLK26]

Originally Posted by Skinzman

Just to point out, if you get caught smoking weed once by the NFL, its not even reported. Anyone getting a suspension for weed has been caught twice.

Also, I understand the NFL suspending players for off field issues. But the courts need to be front and center when it comes to spousal abuse. When we are relying on the NFL (or any other professional sports league) to police America, we have lost our priorities. If the state of NJ sent ray Rice to jail for a year, would anyone be complaining about a 2 game suspension? The courts have got to do more when it comes to these things.

Editing to add: The NFL still has to follow the CBA when it comes to punishment. Can the NFL actually suspend Ray Rice for a year? I could be wrong, but I dont think they could even if they wanted to. The players union has a role in this as well.

Fair enough. Still man, it's weed.

I really hadn't thought about that side of it, but if the NFLPA wouldn't agree to year-long or indefinite suspensions for a player like Rice who copped out of aggravated assault charges, why would they turn around and allow those long suspensions for something minor like smoking weed? I don't know... I think the NFL could have done more.

[NC_Skins]

Originally Posted by SirLK26

Fair enough. Still man, it's weed.

I really hadn't thought about that side of it, but if the NFLPA wouldn't agree to year-long or indefinite suspensions for a player like Rice who copped out of aggravated assault charges, why would they turn around and allow those long suspensions for something minor like smoking weed? I don't know... I think the NFL could have done more.

Because that's what they negotiated in the CBA. There is a set policy for drugs and PEDs, not so much one of behavior off the field. (assaults/DUIs/etc) That's why they can argue for a year long suspension for a player beating his girl, but they don't argue for a player caught 4 times smoking weed.

[Skinzman]

Originally Posted by SirLK26

Fair enough. Still man, it's weed.

I really hadn't thought about that side of it, but if the NFLPA wouldn't agree to year-long or indefinite suspensions for a player like Rice who copped out of aggravated assault charges, why would they turn around and allow those long suspensions for something minor like smoking weed? I don't know... I think the NFL could have done more.

Im not trying to disagree with you. Im in the legalize but regulate/tax it camp. Although I do believe it has to be age regulated as well, meaning a minimum of 21 to buy it just like alcohol.

As for the union, most of them have always said that the courts need to be the main body punishing for these things. And I cant say that I disagree with them. If Ray Rice shouldnt be playing football in game 3 this season, it absolutely does mean that the courts failed. If professional athletes are in jail for these offenses, then they arent playing professional sports.