Assault Charges and NFL Playoffs: How Criminal Cases Affect Athletes and Victims

The roar of the crowd, the thrill of victory, and the intense pressure of the NFL playoffs create a unique environment where athletes operate under immense scrutiny. However, when assault charges enter the equation, the stakes rise exponentially, impacting not only the athletes and victims involved but also the teams, the league, and the public perception of the sport. In 2014, a video of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice punching his fiancée and dragging her unconscious body out of an elevator led to a two-game suspension, highlighting the NFL’s struggle with addressing domestic violence and setting a precedent for future cases.

The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy: A Balancing Act

The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy is a disciplinary code enforced by the league’s commissioner to regulate off-field behavior among players, coaches, and other personnel. It mandates conduct that avoids detriment to the NFL’s integrity, image, or operations through prohibitions on violence, substance abuse, weapons possession, and legal infractions. The policy, enacted initially in 1997 and expanded significantly in 2007 under Commissioner Roger Goodell, imposes stricter standards beyond mere criminal convictions, including mandatory evaluations and baseline suspensions for offenses like domestic violence (minimum six games) or sexual assault.

Notably, criminal charges are not required for a player to be punished under the personal conduct policy. Numerous players have been suspended following an NFL investigation into allegations that never involved criminal charges. If a player is involved in criminal proceedings, the league will often let the legal process play out before deciding on a punishment under the personal conduct policy. If a player’s actions are egregious enough, in the commissioner’s eyes, to prevent him from playing while under investigation, he could be placed on the Commissioner Exempt List. Players on the Commissioner Exempt List are paid but cannot practice or play in games.

Central to the policy’s framework are progressive discipline tiers—fines up to $500,000, suspensions without pay, and contract terminations—applied at the commissioner’s discretion, with appeals routed through league arbitration before possible federal court review under the collective bargaining agreement.

However, the policy has faced criticism for inconsistencies, such as varying suspension lengths for comparable offenses, often attributed to evidentiary thresholds, player negotiations via the NFL Players Association, and the policy’s reliance on internal adjudication over uniform legal standards.

Recent Examples: Diggs and Barmore

As the 2025-2026 NFL playoffs approach, recent cases involving New England Patriots players Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore highlight the complexities of dealing with assault charges.

Diggs is facing charges of felony strangulation and misdemeanor assault stemming from an alleged incident with his personal chef. The chef claims Diggs assaulted her over a payment dispute. Diggs denies the allegations, and his attorney claims they are unsubstantiated and linked to a financial dispute.

Barmore is facing a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery on a family or household member. The charges stem from an alleged incident in August where Barmore is accused of assaulting the mother of his child. Barmore’s attorney is confident that the evidence will demonstrate that no criminal conduct took place.

Despite these charges, the NFL has stated that both players are eligible to play, pending further investigation under the Personal Conduct Policy. This decision has sparked debate, with some questioning whether the league is prioritizing competitive advantage over accountability.

Impact on Athletes’ Careers

An arrest or charge can have a wide range of consequences for an athlete’s career, depending on the severity of the offense, the evidence, and the team’s and league’s response. Some potential outcomes include:

Suspension: The NFL can suspend a player with or without pay, depending on the violation. A first offense for domestic violence results in a six-game suspension.
Fines: Players can be fined up to $500,000 for conduct detrimental to the league.
Commissioner Exempt List: Players formally charged with a violent crime or sexual assault, or if the NFL investigation finds sufficient credible evidence that it appears a violation of the policy has occurred, may be placed on the Commissioner Exempt List, preventing them from playing or practicing while still being paid.
Contract Termination: Teams can terminate a player’s contract due to legal issues, especially if they violate the Personal Conduct Policy.
Damage to Reputation: Even if charges are dropped or a player is acquitted, the negative publicity can damage their reputation and affect their marketability.

Research indicates that arrests for violence against women have a negligible impact on NFL player careers, with on-field productivity and value having a stronger impact. However, tolerance for domestic violence has decreased over time, and arrests may have a more negative impact on lower-performing players.

Impact on Victims

The impact on victims of assault is profound and can include physical injuries, emotional trauma, psychological distress, and financial hardship. The legal process can be daunting and re-traumatizing, and victims may face challenges in seeking justice and support.

Victims of assault have rights and resources available to them. These may include:

Legal Assistance: Victims have the right to seek legal representation and pursue criminal charges or civil lawsuits against the perpetrator.
Counseling and Support Services: Many organizations offer counseling, therapy, and support groups to help victims cope with the emotional and psychological effects of assault.
Victim Compensation Programs: These programs provide financial assistance to victims to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the crime.
Safe Housing: Shelters and transitional housing programs offer safe and confidential housing for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Team and League Considerations

Teams and the NFL face difficult decisions when a player is accused of assault. They must balance the need to maintain a competitive advantage with the responsibility to uphold ethical standards and protect the safety of the community.

Some factors that teams and the league consider include:

Severity of the Allegations: The nature and severity of the alleged crime are critical factors in determining the appropriate response.
Evidence: The strength of the evidence against the player is also considered.
Player’s History: A player’s past behavior and any prior incidents may influence the decision-making process.
Public Opinion: Teams and the league are often sensitive to public opinion and the potential backlash from fans, sponsors, and the media.

Seeking Legal Guidance

If you or someone you know is facing assault charges or has been a victim of assault, it is crucial to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney. A skilled attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and protect your interests.

Conclusion

Assault charges involving NFL players are complex and multifaceted, with significant consequences for athletes, victims, teams, and the league. The NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy aims to address these issues, but inconsistencies and criticisms remain. As the cases of Stefon Diggs and Christian Barmore demonstrate, the intersection of criminal law and professional sports raises challenging questions about accountability, justice, and the values we expect from our athletes. It is essential to remember the victims and provide them with the resources and support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.

Victim Support Resources:

Victim Support: Call Supportline on 08 08 16 89 111 for independent, free, and confidential advice.
Victims for Justice: Offers free, confidential emotional support and practical advice to help victims and family members cope and recover following a violent crime. Call 907-278-0977.
VictimConnect Resource Center: Call or text directly at 1-855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846) or chat online for confidential referrals for crime victims.
FBI Victim Services Division: Provides services such as crisis intervention, emergency travel assistance, and local referrals for counseling, housing, and other services.