NFL revises sexual assault policy to give 6-game suspensions for offenses 'involving threats or coercion'

The NFL revised its personal conduct policy and expanded the definition of sexual assault offenses, along with establishing a standard suspension length for first-time offenders.

According to ESPN, the league amended its sexual assault definition so that players are given a base-level suspension that can be expanded if other wrongful conduct is committed.

Under the new definition, a first violation of a sexual assault "involving physical force or committed against someone incapable of giving consent or involving threats or coercion" will carry a six-game suspension without pay. The suspension can be coupled with "possible upward or downward adjustments based on any aggravating or mitigating factors," according to the policy.

"Nothing in this provision precludes the Disciplinary Officer or Commissioner from imposing a suspension without pay of six games or more, including an indefinite suspension, for other types of prohibited conduct," the policy reportedly stated.

For a second offense, the punishment takes a massive leap to what appears to be a lifetime ban from the league.

"A second violation will result in banishment from the NFL," the statement read.

Other additions to the policy such as a "pattern of conduct" and "offenses that involve planning" appear to have been inspired by Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's 11-game suspension. Watson was accused by more than two dozen women of sexual assault and sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions, which resulted in his suspension and a fine of $5 million, according to the Daily Mail.

The league may have sought some level of consistency with the revised policy, as Watson was originally given a six-game suspension by a disciplinary officer who noted the limitations of the league's rules. However, the NFL appealed the ruling asking for a minimum suspension of one year. The term of 11 games was reached after the appeal.

The longest bans or suspensions in the NFL's history have been season-long suspensions, indefinite suspensions, and sometimes lifetime bans.

Famous season-long or indefinite suspensions were given for players like Rae Carruth, who was convicted of conspiracy to murder his pregnant girlfriend. Carruth's ban was indefinite, but he didn't return after his prison release in 2018.

Michael Vick was given an indefinite ban in 2007 for his role in a dog-fighting scandal. He returned in 2009.

Wide receiver Plaxico Burress was suspended for the length of his prison sentence, two years, after he accidentally shot himself in the leg. He returned to play after his release.

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