NFL Owners Vote to Approve Revamped Personal Conduct Policy

The new Policy will embrace the use of independent investigations; we will no longer rely solely on information developed in law enforcement proceedings. While we will always respect and seek not to interfere with law enforcement, we recognize that the standards that apply in a workplace are substantially different from those that apply in the criminal justice system. We are confident that we can address issues within the NFL in a way that respects and supports law enforcement activity.​

The new Policy will include an element of leave with pay for individuals charged with crimes of violence. A program of paid leave can be implemented promptly for non-player employees. As it applies to players, this element may be subject to changes based on our ongoing discussions with the NFLPA. The union has thus far taken the position that paid leave is appropriate only when a player is charged with a felony, and even then only with the player’s agreement. We have said that we believe that a system of paid leave must be uniform and consistent across the league.​