NFL Doesn’t Plan To Make Changes After Kareem Hunt Incident

The NFL’s handling of the Kareem Hunt incident has some owners questioning whether the league should change its procedures or get out of investigations altogether. However, the NFL isn’t planning to make any adjustments in that arena at this time, according to Mark Maske of the Washington Post

League owners will huddle up in Dallas on Wednesday, and the recent events surrounding Redskins linebacker Reuben Foster (formerly of the 49ers) and Hunt may be a topic of discussion. However, the owners might not be able to make any real changes until the next round of labor talks with the NFLPA. Even assuming they can get the players on board, they’ll need a consensus among owners to change Roger Goodell‘s disciplinary procedures.

The personal conduct policy was revised in 2014, bringing harsher penalties for domestic violence incidents and empowering the league office to conduct independent investigations. However, without subpoena power and a willingness to pay for security footage, the NFL’s investigative branch is somewhat limited. It’s possible that some owners will advocate for the investigative arm to stand, but with a change to policy that will allow the league to pay for video evidence and obtain footage before outlets like TMZ.

For now, Hunt and Foster are on the Commissioners’ Exempt List, meaning that they are barred from playing. Hunt is technically a free agent, but it’s unlikely that any team will consider signing him until he is formally suspended by the NFL.

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