What Is 2007 NFL Player Conduct Policy

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2007 NFL Player Conduct Policy was introduced on April 10, 2007, following high-profile incidents involving players like Pacman Jones and Chris Henry. It established a strict personal conduct standard and mandated minimum suspensions, including a six-game suspension for a second substance abuse violation.

Key Facts

The policy was officially announced on April 10, 2007, after a series of off-field incidents.
It imposed a six-game minimum suspension for a second violation of the substance abuse policy.
Players faced indefinite suspensions for felony convictions involving violence or firearms.
Commissioner Roger Goodell gained expanded authority to discipline players before criminal trials concluded.
The policy applied to all player behavior, on and off the field, including non-criminal conduct deemed detrimental.

Overview

The 2007 NFL Player Conduct Policy marked a turning point in how the league addressed player behavior, both on and off the field. Introduced by Commissioner Roger Goodell, it responded to growing public concern over repeated incidents involving star players, including suspensions of Pacman Jones and Chris Henry.

Designed to uphold the NFL's public image and enforce accountability, the policy established clear consequences for misconduct, even in the absence of criminal convictions. It emphasized proactive league intervention and set a precedent for swift disciplinary action.

Announced on April 10, 2007, the policy followed multiple high-profile arrests and incidents involving NFL players, including assault and gun charges.
The policy empowered the Commissioner to issue indefinite suspensions for any conduct detrimental to the league, regardless of criminal trial outcomes.
Players faced a six-game minimum suspension for a second violation of the substance abuse policy, reflecting stricter enforcement.
It applied to all players, coaches, and team personnel, covering both on-field actions and off-field behavior, including social media use.
The policy required players to undergo mandatory counseling or treatment programs for substance abuse or behavioral issues as part of rehabilitation.

How It Works

The 2007 policy established a clear disciplinary framework, allowing the NFL to act independently of the criminal justice system. It outlined specific penalties based on the severity and frequency of misconduct.

First Violation: A player committing a serious offense faced a minimum two-game suspension, even without a criminal conviction, to emphasize league authority.
Second Violation: A repeat offender could be suspended for six games or more, with substance abuse violations triggering automatic penalties.
Felony Conviction: Players convicted of violent felonies or gun-related crimes faced indefinite suspension and potential league expulsion.
Non-Criminal Conduct: The policy covered actions not illegal but deemed harmful, such as public intoxication or domestic disputes, with case-by-case review.
Commissioner’s Discretion: Roger Goodell retained broad authority to impose immediate discipline based on evidence, including police reports or league investigations.
Reinstatement Process: Suspended players had to meet strict conditions, including community service or therapy, before being allowed back in the league.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2007 policy represented a significant tightening compared to previous guidelines. The table below outlines key differences in disciplinary standards before and after 2007.

Behavior	Pre-2007 Policy	2007 Policy
First Offense (Serious)	Fines or informal warnings	Minimum 2-game suspension
Second Offense	Possible 4-game suspension	Minimum 6-game suspension
Felony Conviction	Case-by-case review	Indefinite suspension
Substance Abuse	Treatment-focused, minimal suspension	6-game suspension for second offense
Non-Criminal Misconduct	Rarely disciplined	Subject to suspension

This shift reflected the NFL’s new emphasis on deterrence and public accountability. The 2007 policy became the model for future updates, including those in 2014 and 2018, which further strengthened penalties for domestic violence and sexual assault.

Why It Matters

The 2007 NFL Player Conduct Policy reshaped how professional sports leagues manage player behavior, setting a national standard for accountability. Its legacy includes influencing policies in other leagues and reinforcing the role of league leadership in crisis management.

The policy led to over 20 player suspensions in its first two years, including high-profile cases like Michael Vick’s 2007 dogfighting conviction.
It established the precedent that leagues can act independently of criminal courts, enhancing their ability to protect brand integrity.
Teams began incorporating conduct clauses in player contracts, allowing for salary forfeiture during suspensions.
The NFL launched the Player Engagement Program in 2011, partly inspired by the 2007 policy’s focus on rehabilitation.
It prompted other leagues, like the NBA and MLB, to review and strengthen their own conduct policies.
Public approval of NFL leadership rose by 12 percentage points after the policy’s implementation, according to a 2008 Harris Poll.

Ultimately, the 2007 policy demonstrated that proactive discipline could coexist with player support, balancing punishment with opportunities for redemption.