While MLB deals with its exploding performance enhancing drug problem, the NFL has struggled with its own off-field troubles--the bad behavior of many of its players.
While Aaron Hernandez has soaked up all the headlines, his teammate Alfonzo Dennard was arrested for driving under the influence, a charge clearly less horrifying than first degree murder, but also a more frequent issue for the league.
According to a U-T San Diego database of NFL arrests, 10 players have been arrested for drinking and driving since the beginning of the new year. FoxSports.com is reporting that the NFL is ready to toughen up in the face of a mounting problem, as opposed to burying its head in the sand. Additionally, an NFLPA source said, "players have been open to discussions and already discussed increasing discipline on DUIs."
In addition to stiffening penalties, the NFL is looking into preventative measures as well so that their tough, new punishments won't have to be put into use. Adolpho Birch, who heads the NFL's drug testing program and serves as the league's senior vice president of law and labor policy spoke with FoxSports.com about their plans.
"We would entertain any program collaboration, initiative or partnership that looks like it was feasibly calculated to reduce the number of incidents involving players, club employees and league employee who drive while impaired. That's a given."
The league is also giving thought to commissioning studies of past arrests to see if any trends can be spotted. "From our end, we look at three or four different areas where we provide education, awareness and resources. We also look at deterrents," Birch said. "We need all to be as effective as they can to reduce the incidents as much as possible."
All of these plans are expected to be implemented after the NFL and NFLPA agree to a finalized policy for HGH testing.
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