New Orleans Saints‘ star running back, Alvin Kamara, took a break from practice on Wednesday to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in New York. The meeting centered around a recently settled criminal case stemming from a February 2022 altercation in Las Vegas. Kamara’s involvement in the case has left the Saints uncertain about potential disciplinary actions from the NFL.
From Inside Training Camp: #Saints RB Alvin Kamara is expected to be suspended for his incident in Las Vegas, but how long could be determined from his meeting with Roger Goodell. pic.twitter.com/c6npkDmHVB
The league’s player conduct policy grants them the authority to issue suspensions for conduct deemed “illegal, violent, dangerous, or irresponsible.” The recent plea agreement reached by Kamara and cornerback Chris Lammons allowed them to avoid trial and possible prison time, putting an end to a case that involved allegations of assaulting Darnell Greene Jr. However, the NFL has not provided any indication of when or if disciplinary measures will be taken.
The league reserves the right to take an independent view of available evidence, which in Kamara’s case includes security video footage of the altercation. The outcome of this situation could have significant implications for the star running back, considering his role as one of New Orleans’ leaders in yards from scrimmage since his NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2017.
As the NFL weighs its decision, recent examples of notable suspensions under the personal conduct policy provide insight into potential outcomes. (Source)
2022 — Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suspended 11 games and fined $5 million (accusations of sexual harassment and assault while playing for the Houston Texans).
2021 — Running back Derrius Guice suspended six games (domestic violence).
2020 — Wide receiver Antonio Brown suspended eight games (multiple violations of personal conduct policy).
2019 — Cleveland running back Kareem Hunt suspended eight games (assault caught on video).
2019 — Seattle defensive lineman Jarran Reed suspended six games (assault accusation).
2019 — Raiders guard Richie Incognito suspended two games (disorderly conduct).
2018 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston suspended three games (accused of touching a female Uber driver inappropriately in 2016).
2018 — Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith suspended four games (domestic violence).
2017 — Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott suspended six games (domestic violence).
2017 — Kicker Josh Brown suspended six games (domestic violence).
2017 — Bengals cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones suspended one game (assault). Jones was suspended six games in 2008 and for one season in 2007 (multiple violations of personal conduct policy).
2015 — Cowboys defensive Greg Hardy suspended 10 games (domestic violence). Arbitrator Harold Henderson later reduced suspension to four games.
2014 — Baltimore running back Ray Rice suspended indefinitely (domestic violence).
2014 — Defensive lineman Aldon Smith suspended nine games (violations of personal conduct policy and substance abuse policy). Also suspended in 2015 (violations of the league’s substance abuse policy). Reinstated in 2020.
2014 — Vikings running back Adrian Peterson suspended indefinitely (child abuse case). Reinstated in 2015.
2010 — Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suspended six games (accusation of sexual assault by two women). Suspension later reduced to four games by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
2008 — Vikings offensive lineman Bryant McKinnie suspended four games (arrested on aggravated battery charges after a street brawl outside a nightclub).
2007 — Falcons quarterback Michael Vick suspended indefinitely (dogfighting). Reinstated by Commissioner Roger Goodell in 2009.
2007 — Bears defensive tackle Tank Johnson suspended eight games (gun charge).
2007 — Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry suspended eight games (multiple violations of personal conduct policy).
The NFL’s handling of Kamara’s case will undoubtedly draw attention as fans and pundits await the commissioner’s decision on potential disciplinary actions. The outcome will not only affect Kamara’s playing career but also serve as a reminder of the league’s commitment to upholding its player conduct policy and maintaining its reputation in the eyes of the public.
