NFL notes: Owners’ meetings focus on personal conduct
NFL owners spent five hours discussing the league’s personal conduct policy, domestic violence and discipline for misbehavior during their fall meetings Wednesday in New York.
“We had a tremendous focus today on our approach to social responsibility,” Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “What we need to do, potential changes, how to make them more effective, make decisions on a more timely basis.”
After approving the sale of the Buffalo Bills to Terry and Kim Pegula in the morning, the owners listened to a presentation on domestic violence that included a video by a former player appealing for recognition and action.
In the powerful video, Joe Ehrmann, a defensive tackle for 10 pro seasons, beseeches viewers to imagine what it would be like to see a loved one being subjected to abuse. He then urges intervention to curb such behavior.There have been plenty of mistakes made recently by the league, most notably the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson abuse cases. In the midst of a maelstrom over how the league has handled those and other incidents, asked for a re-examination of the policy.
Among the topics discussed was Goodell’s role in handing out discipline, and he reiterated that all options “are on the table.”
Peterson’s trial set
A Texas judge has tentatively set a Dec. 1 trial date for Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson on a charge of felony child abuse for using a wooden switch to discipline his 4-year-old son.
Peterson did not enter a plea, though his attorney said he will eventually plead not guilty to the charge that carries a penalty of up to two years in prison.
Arbiter must decide
Goodell said it’s up to a neutral arbiter to decide whether he should testify during an appeal of Ray Rice’s indefinite suspension.
Goodell said a former federal judge picked by the commissioner and the players’ union to lead the arbitration will decide its rules.
Around the league
Browns cornerback Joe Haden is not practicing because of an injured hip. … Redskins QB Robert Griffin III is taking part in agility drills as he works his way back from a dislocated ankle. … Titans left tackle Michael Roos said he likely will need surgery on his right knee. … Titans QB Jake Locker didn’t practice with a sore and swollen right thumb on his passing hand. … Oakland placed middle linebacker Nick Roach on season-ending injured reserve for a concussion he suffered in the preseason. … The Titans signed CB Brandon Ghee and placed safety Bernard Pollard on injured reserve. … Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater said he feels 100 percent healthy after spraining his left ankle in his first NFL start Sept. 28 against Atlanta. … Brett Favre said he couldn’t be happier to see Peyton Manning on the brink of breaking his NFL record of 508 touchdown throws.