If a player refused, or if the background check revealed a domestic violence or sexual assault conviction, that player would be banned from all “league-related events”, including the NFL Draft.
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According to a USA Today report, NFL Executive VP of football operations Troy Vincent wrote the following in his memo in reference to the policy.
If the rule had been implemented in 2015, second round pick Frank Clark would not have been allowed. He was accused of sexual assault in civil court, but was never found guilty of a crime.
The NFL takes a huge step towards eliminating repeat offenders from entering the league. Players that refuse to submit to a background check will also be uninvited.
Players who fall into this category are permitted to participate in pro days, personal workouts and regional combines.
It all came to a head when Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy were publicly tangled in alleged domestic violence incidents at roughly the same time.
Implied in the lack of comment is that the National Football League did’t consult with the union before unveiling the new rule. The draft will once again be in Chicago, and it runs from April 28 to the 30.
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However, with an extra $1 million on the line, the fastest prospects in the Class of 2016 will have even more incentive to ideal their technique prior to the start of the combine on February 23.
