APThe Titans and Bengals supported the latest suspensions.
“While we regret the circumstances that called for it, it’s good for both Chris and the Bengals to have the matter resolved,” Lewis said. “Our team will move forward, and now it is up to Chris to acquire a more mature understanding of his responsibilities as a player for the Bengals and a representative of the NFL.”
Goodell and Gene Upshaw, executive director of the NFL Players Association, met with a group of players in February and again last week and agreed the league needed a stronger disciplinary policy.
“The NFL Players Association and the Player Advisory Council believe that these are steps that the commissioner needs to take, and we support the policy,” Upshaw said. “It is important that players in violation of the policy will have the opportunity and the support to change their conduct and earn their way back.”
That includes Jones, the sixth overall pick in the 2005 draft.
Despite his problems off the field during two seasons with the Titans, he could be reinstated before season’s end if he adheres to conditions set by the NFL. These include no further involvement with law enforcement; counseling, education and treatment under league and court-ordered programs; follows restrictions on his activities agreed to with the Titans; and a community-service program submitted to the league for review and approval.
“We respect this decision and are confident this is in the best interest of the league and the team,” Titans owner Bud Adams said. “We are hopeful that it will achieve the goals of disciplining the player and eventually enabling him to return to the field of play.”
But Jones still has cases pending in Las Vegas and Georgia, as well as a tough commissioner.
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