Substance Abuse in the NFL

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Drug use is happening in the NFL and one of the most heavily used drugs is alcohol. This paper will analyze the effects of alcohol on players and discuss what the NFL can do to better combat the problems of alcohol usage and abuse. The NFL Substance Abuse Policy can be tweaked and modified so it more focused on helping the players, rather than disciplining them. In addition, the paper will discuss the sociological issues associated with NFL players abusing alcohol and the negative impacts this deviant behavior has on society. The NFL has multiple reasons for maintaining a tough drug policy. Former NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle stated that serious health problems occur for players who abuse drugs. Additionally, since the NFL is a billion dollar business, they have an interest in maximizing productivity from its players and alcohol abuse hinders that. It says in the Marquette Sport Law Journal, “The league has an interest in protecting the safety of all players” (Sisson and Trexell 11). Players who abuse alcohol or any drug for that matter put themselves and other players at risk. In 2012, Dallas Cowboy defensive tackle Josh Brent killed his teammate while driving under the influence of alcohol. He was released by the team three weeks after the incident and does not play in the NFL anymore. There are numerous incidents of players getting into trouble because of alcohol. NFL players have been known to get into bar fights, drive while intoxicated, and drive under the influence. In 2013 alone, 30 players were arrested and 10 of them received DUI’s. According to Jay Coakley, “Deviance occurs when a person’s ideas, traits, or actions are perceived by others to fall outside their normal range of acceptance in society” (... ... middle of paper ... ...s and driving while intoxicated. They have this sense of entitlement because they play the in highest level of sports. Since they are NFL players, they think people should look up to them. They need to realize that they are essentially employees of a Fortune 500 company. This is why the rookie symposium is very crucial in the development of an NFL player. Former NFL players as well as the players in charge of the Substance Abuse Policy discipline can teach and inform the rookies of the troubles that former players have gotten into. In addition, rookies can be taught about the problems that stem from alcohol and drug abuse. Whatever method they choose (whether its showing charts or graphics of former players getting arrested), the rookies should understand that the NFL is there to help and that staying out of trouble is in the best interest of both parties.

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