NFL in Negotiations to Impose Stricter Penalties for Player DUI

 Posted on August 18, 2013 in DUI

There is no denying the fact that the National Football League has had a tremendous PR problem because of these frequent DUI arrests involving its players. The League has dealt with an avalanche of bad publicity over the past few years, with a number of athletes, both past and present, showing long-term signs of debilitation and disability due to frequent concussions while playing pro football. Now the National Football League is also in the uncomfortable position of having to defend many of its star players because of their bad behavior behind the wheel.

Some of that behavior has resulted in fatal accidents. For instance, last year, a fatal accident involving former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent killed one of his teammates. The National Football League wants to target players like Brent, who are involved in serious DUI related accidents. Brent currently faces an intoxication manslaughter charge, and has retired from football.

In 2013, 10 NFL players were booked on DUI -related charges. In 2012, 17 NFL players were arrested on the same charges, including Brent. The League wants players convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing fatal accidents to receive mandatory suspensions from the sport.

The organization has also undertaken other initiatives to help reduce the risk of DUI, including offering transportation options to players to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.