NFL Character.
Goodell has some policies in the works to penalize teams for recruiting players with off the field character issues simply because being a player in the NFL is to be a role model, even without trying to be a role model and a level attractiveness to children and teens. Character Matters to the parents and guardians of children whom idolize NFL players/Athletes.
This is an issue that has become more important over the years and I think it has to be put in a better light.
Even if a player does have a problem, a program like Adam "Pacman" Jones is on concerning his contract and behavior should also be a positive example to children to show that, even with a checkered past people can improve and turn their life around for the better, but to be in a strict program must also call for positive support by teammates, the Franchise and the public, and that skeptics while a "Necessary EVIL" are still only human, as is the player in question, that player must be properly nurtured.
You All Know Me as an Die Hard Cowboys Fan, But I too have also had extremely difficult times in my life, and I appreciated positive support from people that saw I had the desire to improve my situation. I just needed support, not condemnation, I know what I did wrong, and I have remorse. Now we must move on, pick our self up, dust off, and try again by doing the best and have faith in the system, peers as well as self with a positive frame of mind.
Pacman Jones, & Tank Johnson both know what they did wrong, and know about the long hard road ahead of them, but we must support them as human beings.
"Let ye who has Not Sinned cast the First Stone"
As For Cedric Benson & Travis Henry Should be properly punished, no doubt, and if they do want to play again they should be put on a strict program parallel to Pacman Jones.
However, with a full recovery and appropriate contract, should also be permitted to play in the NFL.
I see the players that do have problems should be given the opportunity to turn their life around and with in a time frame that is appropriate.
Even more important, The Parents of children that watch and follow the NFL and it's athletes must understand to NOT put any player on such high pedestals of expectations and that when and if and however they do fall, should be taught to understand that no body is perfect, and that there are situations in life that can have an impact, while punishment is warranted, it should fit the crime, and the event does NOT always warrant banishment or ineligibility to renter the career that you have talent in, that brings about depression and could also make things worse than before for the athlete/player.
In Michael Vick's situation, I do not see where he should be allowed play after serving a FELONY prison term.
