National Football League

Sources: Teams could face sanctions for player conduct policy violations

Published Oct. 12, 2014 8:47 a.m. ET

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By now, it's been clear the NFL is intent on coming down harder on players who violate the league's personal conduct policy. What isn't widely known is the possibility teams could face increased penalties as well.

During last week's league meeting in New York, the owners discussed the possibility of stripping teams of draft picks for repeat violations of the conduct policy, sources told FOX Sports.

The sources said the talks on this issue and others were preliminary, so it's unclear at this point what would constitute multiple violations and whether previous violations by a player before he's a part of a team would be taken into consideration. But it's evident the league is considering ways to have clubs keep a closer eye on their players' off-field conduct, as well as have more consideration for the character of those players they draft and sign.

Currently, the league has a salary-remittance policy that subjects teams to fines of up to $500,000 for multiple suspensions, whether they be of the personal-conduct, performance-enhancing or substance-abuse variety.

"What level of accountability should be expected of clubs?" NFL commissioner Roger Goodell wrote in a memo to owners in advance of last week's meeting. "Is the current Salary Remittance Program sufficient, or should additional measures be considered?"

The league declined comment when asked about the talks related to stripping teams of draft picks for conduct issues.

Goodell remains hopeful the league will have a new personal conduct policy in place before February's Super Bowl.

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