Quote:Where I take issue with this entire process is the way they several all communication with the team.  There needs to be a way for a player to work with the team to get the necessary help required to get him beyond this.  Left to his own devices, he's going to be less motivated to do what needs to be done.  He needs a more regimented environment. 

 

I also think there's overkill in how the league handles substance abuse situations.  If it's not a performance enhancing drug, but it's something that is legal, I think they're overstepping their boundaries for what they can do. I know it's that overbearing approach that ultimately got Matt Jones run out of the league.  He was in the program, got suspended for the cocaine incident, and nailed again because he had a beer while playing golf with buddies.  Really?  That's the tipping point?  It's ridiculous how the league handles these situations, and even more so that the NFLPA signed off on this approach.  That whole process needs to be revisited and a new process endorsed because this just doesn't work.

 

Normally I agree with most of what you have to say Tim, but not in this case.  I believe in your first paragraph you were talking about "severing" communication with the team.  I do believe that the NFL probably does assist with necessary help when it comes to any kind of substance abuse.  I also believe that the player can have "unofficial" communication with players and coaches.  Cecil Shorts kind of eluded to that fact a couple of weeks ago.

 

Also, when addressing legal vs. non-legal drugs, I believe that the NFL is doing the right thing,  Even though Matt Jones may have gotten nailed because he "had a beer while playing golf with his buddies", he knew the rules and knew the consequences for breaking the rules.  Seriously, does someone have to drink beer while playing golf with their buddies knowing that it could cause him/her to lose their job?  I've gone out and played a round of golf drinking nothing more than water and iced tea.  It isn't that tough.

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