New NFL Personal Conduct Policy Approved by Owners

IRVING, Texas (AP) _ The NFL has a new personal conduct policy. Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the changes from the owner’s meetings in Irving, Texas. A special counsel for investigations and conduct will oversee initial discipline. The commissioner also may appoint a panel of independent experts to participate in deciding an appeal. Under the new plan Goodell will retain authority to rule on appeals.

The players’ union has sought negotiations with the NFL on any revamping of the policy, and said Tuesday it would “reserve the right to take any and all actions” should the owners act unilaterally. The union could consider the changes by the owners as a violation of the collective bargaining agreement reached in 2011 to end the lockout of the players.

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