Discipline in the Leaque - does the NFLPA fight every possible decision?
 

To change the topic of most Saints threads a bit.

In the last week there were at least 3 players in the league that were arrested. All three caused negative PR for the league (Conduct Detrimental)

Wright (Tampa) for DUI
Peterson (Minn) for "Resisting Arrest"
Lewis (Phil) for "pulling a fire alarm".

Wright's indiscretion falls under the league substance abuse policy and first offense DUI has carried a $50,000 fine with no suspension.

The other two players indiscretions are a bit more interesting. Both are off-field related, so they fall under the same process the Saints, coaches, and players just went through.

There have been mentions of Roethlisberger being suspended for being arrested and never being charged, so what are the predictions on these two?

Peterson is coming off a knee injury, so there is the possibility a suspension may not be harmful for his season. Especially if he is not 100% when the season starts.

As far as the NFLPA, would it be beneficial for them to fight any/all discipline handed out by the Der Furher now that the NFLPA has basically stated the process has proven to be fundamentally biased and now has a lawsuits pending?.

Both Peterson's & Lewis' actions fall under the off-field (conduct detrimental clauses due to negative PR) and fall under the power of Der Furher. It could put the NFLPA in a negative PR spot, but would definately keep the discipline process in the forefront.

I really believe the NFLPA should fight any discipline handed out or they face the possibility of the league bringing it up as a validation of the process they are now fighting in court.

I doubt the NFLPA will get involved; the players were convicted of crimes away from the NFL. Pretty much makes them guilty and whatever fines/suspensions Roger wants to deal out are deserved. Unless he abuses the power yet again and went way overboard...

Unless, of course, they were overheard (by anyone anywhere) talking about taking out the other teams quarterback... That'll get them at least a 4 game suspension.

I think a DUI or disorderly conduct arrest with a police report, mug shot, breath test and witnesses is a little bit different from a supposed "bounty" or "pay for injure program" for which there is no clear evidence, or there is shifting morphing evidence, or a bunch of hearsay and guesses and assumptions trotted out as hard evidence, because it sounds good in a sound byte, and then the "evidence" doesn't get shown AT ALL to the players who are disciplined...big difference there. One situation as the union you represent ALL the players best by fighting tooth and nail for the process, the other situation like these you just want to make sure the player gets a fair hearing and has support while he is having personal difficulties and going through a rough patch.

At this point they were arrested and charged - no convictions. Any discipline from the league may not come for a while and may not involve abuse of power, but will use the same judge, jury, executioner process.

I understand the fight everything and support situations, but do you go through a process the NFLPA has basically stated is flawed? There are big differences between what the three players have been accused of and what the Saints were found guilty of by the league. The three players from the initial post all will have due process applied by the courts, but will endure the same process as those involved in the "bounty" investigation.

My thoughts were really not about the individual offenses or possible discipline, but more directed at the possible validation of the suspension/appeals process if the NFLPA doesn't fight for those players. The outcome of the Vilma/NFLPA lawsuits could occur after outcomes in other player discipline and validate the process.

The NFLPA only needs to fight when the player has obviously been mistreated though this inept process.