PHL Anon
Big changes are coming, and may show that the NFL is starting to care, or at least care about how incidents have damaged their image lately. The NFL has announced that it will no longer allow players with convictions for domestic violence, sexual assault or weapons offenses to attend the scouting combine in Indy.
Troy Vincent, the NFL’s executive vice president of football operations, has stated that invited prospects would be barred from “any league-related event” if a background check turns up a felony or misdemeanor conviction. Yes, that includes the NFL Draft. Players that refuse to submit to the background checks will also, automatically, be uninvited. Here’s what Vincent had to say:
“It is important for us to remain strongly committed to league values as we demonstrate to our fans, future players, coaches, general managers, and others who support our game that character matters.”
The rule is expected to impact only a handful of players each year, but it could be a major impact to those few. The combine is where a lot of guys have their opportunity to leave a lasting impression on General Managers and Coaches when they meet with teams and are mentally evaluated on many levels.
Now, a key not to this rule would be the one and only Jameis Winston, who would have still been allowed to participate in the combine because he was never convicted of sexual assault, despite allegations and a civil lawsuit while at Florida State.
Troy Vincent has told all 32 teams that players who are barred from the combine will have no restrictions from attending other private workouts, pro days and regional combines. However, this still could significantly hurt the draft stock of those impacted by the new rules.
Troy Vincent has ruled, and it is final!
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