Facing a growing amount of criticism over a large number of DUI arrests involving its players, the National Football League is taking steps to placate critics. The League is believed to be in negotiations with players’ groups and associations to determine tougher penalties for players who are arrested for driving under the influence.
According to a database of National Football League players by U-T San Diego, since the beginning of this year alone, there have been at least 10 National Football League players who have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Some of those incidences of DUI even proved fatal. Last year, former Dallas Cowboys player Josh Brent was involved in a fatal drunk driving accident that killed one of his own team members. At the time of the accident, Brent had been driving with a blood alcohol level of .18, which is more than twice the legal limit in Texas, where the accident occurred. He retired from football this summer, and is currently facing charges of intoxication manslaughter.
Most of the DUI arrests involving NFL football players however, have only involved driving under the influence, and the episodes did not result in accidents. However, these episodes have been widely publicized in the media. It is not just players whose drunken-driving problems have been featured heavily in the media. Earlier this year, two executives with the Denver Broncos who were also arrested for DUI, were suspended.
Clearly, the National Football League is feeling the pressure as the organization finds itself the target of growing criticism, over the rash driving practices of many of its players as well as executives.
