Criticisms of the National Football League in recent years has targeted the process used to deal with players who violate league rules regarding acceptable personal conduct.

One of the ongoing criticisms of the National Football League in recent years has targeted the process used to deal with players who violate league rules regarding acceptable personal conduct. This criticism was heightened in 2014 by the case of NFL player Ray Rice, who was caught on video striking his fiancée. The case called into question whether the league had a stated policy and procedures in place or simply made things up as it went along. Up to this point, the league commissioner had taken it upon himself to function as judge, jury, and executioner—a process that seems inconsistent with the U.S. legal system.

If it were up to you, how would you structure the process for dealing with player behavior that results in violations of league rules with respect to acceptable personal conduct.  Use the following statements to guide your deliberations but do not feel bound by them:   

a) Develop a process that seems fair to you.

b) The league should not administer any punishment until after a final legal disposition of the case.

c) Investigation into player conduct should be conducted by an independent arbitrator approved jointly by the league and the NFL Players Association. Both the league and the players association may have a representative present during the hearings, which shall be recorded and transcribed.

d) If either the league or the accused is dissatisfied with the final disposition by the arbitrator, they shall have the right to appeal to the league commissioner.