Steelers' Hines Ward Arrested for DUI: Can NFL Suspend?
Pittsburgh Steelers' Hines Ward's DUI has come at a bad time for both Ward and the NFL. And, it begs the question: what's next for Hines Ward? A NFL suspension?
Can the NFL even suspend Ward, considering that they're in the midst of a lockout?
Ward was arrested in Georgia last week, charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, reports CNN.
He was released on a $1,000 bond. Ward's agent maintains that he was not driving under the influence, CNN reports.
Ward recently gained more notoriety as the winner of the last season of Dancing with the Stars. Though, it seems that no amount of nimble dancing could get him out of being arrested for the DUI. Perhaps his attorney can help him out.
If Ward is found guilty of the DUI, he likely will be running afoul of the NFL personal conduct policy.
The personal conduct policy makes it such that players that do things that are "detrimental to the integrity and public confidence in the National Football League" - like do things that break the law or create a negative image of the NFL - may be subject to discipline such as a fine or suspension, depending on the NFL Commissioner's judgment.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell seems to intend on enforcing the personal conduct policy, despite the NFL lockout, reports CNN.
Can the NFL suspend Ward over his DUI? Maybe, though it seems that some commentators are doubtful that Ward will face suspension.
Whether or not Hines Ward's NFL suspension will come to light or not, one thing is true: for the NFL and for Hines Ward, a DUI is nothing to sneeze at. After all, a DUI is still a crime.
Related resources:
- 'Pacman' Jones Joins Hines Ward on NFL Lockout Arrest List (Gather)
- DUI - The Basics (FindLaw)
- Raheem Brock Arrested: Ex-Colt DE Skips Out on $27 Bar Tab? (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)
- NFL Lockout Extended: Does 8th Cir. Favor NFL Owners? (FindLaw's Tarnished Twenty)