It never ceases to amaze me how the National Football League continues to fumble the ball on conduct policy issues. The inconsistencies have been exhibited on a case-by-case basis, leaving NFL fans bewildered, shocked and downright angered by some of the punishments levied on players.

There are two recent incidents that have occurred. Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson was accused of alleged sexual misconduct by over 30 women. The NFL gathered all the information it could and determined that Watson would only serve a six-game suspension with no fine. However, Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley was betting on games in the same league and is suspended the entire year of this upcoming season. Both are obviously egregious acts, but one would think that sexual misconduct would be more atrocious than someone betting on games and losing money.

Earlier this week, we found out that Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was fined over $1 million dollar and his team lost multiple draft picks for having inappropriate conversations with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and ex-NFL head coach Sean Payton. For the NFL to fine a billionaire a million dollars is absurd and does nothing, in my opinion. The only way you can hurt an owner is through his pockets, if the fines are not in the hundredth-million category than anything less is laughable.

Countless more incidents have happened in the NFL where the punishments left people questioning them. We know that the bottom line of the NFL is making money and putting out high-profile talent on the field is where you will generate the most revenue. The only way that these incidents will slow down and be taken more seriously is if the owners cared a little more than they actually have shown.

Think about this, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslem signed Watson to a $230 million dollar contract fully guaranteed, the most any quarterback has been guaranteed despite knowing he wouldn’t have his quarterback to start the season. He had to know Watson would be gone but also knew he would eventually be back in the same season.

The NFL conduct policy has to be revised and this cannot be overstated enough. Not just for the inconsistency of the punishments but the loopholes in the contract that individuals can take advantage of. Individuals who smoke paraphernalia or as suggested weed can get banned from the game for a year but domestic abuse that has been seen or proven gets a few games of suspension? Tell me in what world does that make sense? In most everyday jobs or schools if you have repeat offense of trying to cheat or sexual misconduct, you are kicked out and banned from job/institution.

The NFL will continue to be watched by million of viewers for entertainment purposes but the respect level for the hierarchy has gone down due to the heightened lack of sensitivity towards these incidents. NFL, you can do better, and it starts with the owners in the boxes.

— Chris Drummond is a sports reporter for the Marshall Independent.

Email: cdrummond@

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