News / Sports
Tennessee Titans to be without Adam “Pacman” Jones after NFL Suspends Cornerback for 2007
Stating that it's “a privilege to represent the NFL, not a right,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced that Tennessee Titans’ star cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones will be suspended for the 2007 NFL season after a series of off-field incidents proved to be detrimental to the leagues image.
While Jones’ has had several run-ins with law enforcement it was his involvement in a Las Vegas strip club shooting over the NBA All-Star weekend that forced Goodell’s hand. Jones has denied any involvement in the late night shooting that left one man paralyzed but police have recommended felony and misdemeanor charges against the athlete.
Jones’ suspension falls under the NFL policy on player conduct, a policy that Goodell has tweaked since taking office nearly seven months ago. Goodell outlined the relevance of the policy, stating, "We hold ourselves to higher standards of responsible conduct because of what it means to be part of the National Football League. We have long had policies and programs designed to encourage responsible behavior, and this policy is a further step in ensuring that everyone who is part of the NFL meets that standard."
The suspension of Jones includes loss of pay which will amount to 1,292,500 in base salary. Jones will have to apply for re-instatement after the season and must meet certain guidelines to avoid further discipline, one of those conditions is no more run-ins with law enforcement members.
The Titans released a statement saying "We appreciate the Commissioner's thoughtful decision today and the discipline plan imposed on Adam Jones. We respect this decision and are confident this is in the best interest of the league and the team. We are hopeful that it will achieve the goals of disciplining the player and eventually enabling him to return to the field of play. Our goals for Jones are consistent with the league's in that regard."
