The hubbub regarding the nature of the formal reaction to Ray Rice’s behavior seems to ignore the question. Did his behavior violate some contractual arrangement that he signed on to? Does the league have an explicit general behavior standard that all players are subject to? If not, then it would seem the league is not within its rights to exact reprisals for his actions. All the posturing about Goodell seems to be couched in personal beliefs of what is considered to be bad behavior. But since employers generally don’t police their employees while they’re on their own time, I can’t see why so many people want to hold the NFL responsible for “punishing” Rice. It’s not the employer’s position to punish employees for their behavior away from work. Unless there’s a breach of understanding or contract. Is that the case here?
Here is the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
If you sign a contract to be employed by the NFL, then you are agreeing to the terms of the above-linked policy.
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The concern is less whether their contract allows for it, but rather if it’s legitimate to have Roger Goodell suspend a player before allowing the legal process to play out.
If you don’t do the crime, you still do the time?