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NFL judgment day still looming for Irsay, Gordon, others
David Steele @david_c_steele
So far, however, there has been no standard to judge any of them, even though some of the offenses took place last season.
There is no indication when the NFL will lay down the law on any of them, but the regular-season opener is seven weeks from Thursday. The clock is ticking. Here are the five most notable cases still on Goodell’s desk.
David Steele @david_c_steele
So far, however, there has been no standard to judge any of them, even though some of the offenses took place last season.
There is no indication when the NFL will lay down the law on any of them, but the regular-season opener is seven weeks from Thursday. The clock is ticking. Here are the five most notable cases still on Goodell’s desk.
- Jim Irsay, owner, Colts
What happened and when: Arrested March 16 in Carmel, Indiana, for driving while impaired with prescription drugs in his car. Four felony charges of drug possession were among the preliminary charges. On May 23 he was formally charged with only two misdemeanor counts of impaired driving.
Where it stands: Irsay entered rehab soon after the arrest, but was out in time to attend the owner’s meeting in Atlanta in mid-May. His driver’s license was suspended for a year beginning May 27, according to published reports citing court records. On Monday, Irsay tweeted about the Colts’ reporting day Wednesday: “Anderson, IN…HERE WE COME!”
Ray Rice, RB, Ravens
What happened and when: Rice was arrested February 15 and charged with assaulting his soon-to-be wife, Janay Palmer, at an Atlantic City casino. Security video caught him dragging an unconscious Palmer out of the casino elevator. He was officially indicted on March 27.
Where it stands: On May 20, court officials accepted Rice in a pre-trial intervention program, allowing him to avoid jail. Three days later, he held a press conference (in which he took no questions) at the Ravens’ headquarters where he said, among other gaffes, "Failure is not getting knocked down. It's not getting up." In June, Rice and his wife met with Goodell in the league office.
Aldon Smith, LB, 49ers
What happened and when: Since June 2012, Smith has been arrested on weapons charges after a house party, arrested twice for DUI and, on April 13, booked for making a bomb threat at Los Angeles International Airport.
Where it stands: The charges were eventually dropped in the airport incident, and last Friday Smith pleaded no contest to reduced weapons and DUI charges and was sentenced to community service and work-crew duty. The 49ers report Wednesday.
Josh Gordon, WR, Browns
What happened and when: Gordon reportedly faces an indefinite suspension for failing an NFL drug test for the third time. He also was arrest for DWI on July 4 in Raleigh, N.C. In late May he was ticketed for speeding and his passenger was cited for marijuana possession.
Where it stands: The league has not confirmed the reports of Gordon’s suspension, but his appeal is expected to take place this week. The Browns report on Saturday. His next court appearance for the DWI is August 26 in Raleigh, two days before the Browns’ final preseason game.
Greg Hardy, DE, Panthers
What happened and when: Hardy was arrested May 13 in Charlotte on domestic violence charges stemming from an alleged assault on his girlfriend. Back on March 4, the Panthers had put their $13.2 million franchise tag on him in hopes of working out a long-term contract.
Where it stands: Hardy was found guilty last week, was given a 60-day suspended jail sentence and 18 months probation and was banned from contacting the victim. He is appealing the verdict. Camp opens Saturday.
