PHOENIX (AP) -- Roger Goodell's first full NFL meeting as commissioner is beginning with one item at the top of the agenda: a crackdown on players who get in trouble with the law.
The meetings formally begin Monday with Goodell's state of the NFL address to the owners. But everyone was on hand Sunday for committee meetings.
As did his predecessor, Paul Tagliabue, Goodell is likely to say the state of the league is good. However, he is also expected to announce, most likely on Tuesday, new and strengthened rules for discipline for what is perceived as an increasing number of players with legal issues.
The new discipline is likely to be harsher, with longer suspensions than the current two or four games, and punishment handed down more quickly. In the past, the league most often has waited until the legal process has been exhausted before suspending players for violations of the law. Now, with the concurrence of the NFL Players Association and many players, it may not.
Still, it is likely to be vigorously discussed.
The meetings formally begin Monday with Goodell's state of the NFL address to the owners. But everyone was on hand Sunday for committee meetings.
As did his predecessor, Paul Tagliabue, Goodell is likely to say the state of the league is good. However, he is also expected to announce, most likely on Tuesday, new and strengthened rules for discipline for what is perceived as an increasing number of players with legal issues.
The new discipline is likely to be harsher, with longer suspensions than the current two or four games, and punishment handed down more quickly. In the past, the league most often has waited until the legal process has been exhausted before suspending players for violations of the law. Now, with the concurrence of the NFL Players Association and many players, it may not.
Still, it is likely to be vigorously discussed.
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