NFL Enters The "Nervous" Season

Summary: As the headlines from the draft and minicamps fade from the headlines, coaches, scouting staffs and players all tend to head in separate directions this time of year for some final R&R before the last minicamps and final preparations for training camps begin in a few weeks. The NFL has become a year-round job in the past 20-25 years, and many team employees regularly put in 80-hour weeks or more throughout the year. This time is much needed by many to recharge before the g...

As the headlines from the draft and minicamps fade from the headlines, coaches, scouting staffs and players all tend to head in separate directions this time of year for some final R&R before the last minicamps and final preparations for training camps begin in a few weeks. The NFL has become a year-round job in the past 20-25 years, and many team employees regularly put in 80-hour weeks or more throughout the year. This time is much needed by many to recharge before the grind of the season begins. That doesn't mean that team officials will sleep easily for the next month, however, as this time of year has become "Nervous" Season for the league due to the fact that many players find trouble, or trouble finds them, depending on the point of view you believe, when there is nothing structured in place to keep them focused. One only needs to look at the headlines from the past few of weeks to understand why certain teams are scrambling to come up with contingency plans just in case players who have run afoul with the law are suddenly unavailable for any period of time. 1. Ricky Manning, Jr. and Maurice Drew Although the incident in question here actually allegedly took place in April, the news hit the stands in the past couple of weeks, and the ramifications could be troubling for two NFL teams. According to police reports, Manning, Jr., Drew and another player with UCLA ties viciously assaulted a UCLA student at a Denny's restaurant in Westwood in the early morning hours, resulting in serious injury and serious charges. Manning, Jr. was recently signed to a big-money contract by the Bears, and Drew was a second-round draft choice by the Jaguars. 2. Jake Plummer Plummer was reportedly involved in a road rage incident where he cut off another driver and kicked the other car. Before leaving the scene, Plummer allegedly backed his car into the other driver's automobile. There are two sides to this story, but it's one large headache for the Broncos and their starting QB. 3. Cory Rodgers The Packers' recent fourth-round draft pick was involved in what is believed to be a confrontation with gang members in a Texas bar after refusing to buy drinks and sign autographs for patrons in the bar. According to police reports, Rodgers fled the scene of the altercation, but police reports indicate that he allegedly discharged a gun into the air as he left the melee. Rodgers was going to be given a chance to contribute to the Packers' special teams in a big way, and still may do so, but he'll have to clean up this mess before he can proceed with his football career. 4. Reuben Droughns Three days after being acquitted of a DUI charge, Droughns was charged with domestic violence-related offenses in relation to an incident on May 12 where he allegedly threw his wife out the back door of their home after she told him she wanted a divorce. Although the charges are misdemeanors, Droughns once again has legal problems, and the Browns' featured RB could be distracted as he heads to training camp. 5. Santonio Holmes Holmes was arrested for disorderly conduct at a Miami-area hotel after a confrontation with local police. The details of the incident are unclear, but this is not the way a classy organization like the Steelers wants to introduce its top rookie to the rest of the NFL. A few things need to be stressed. First, none of these players have been convicted of anything, and everyone must assume they're innocent until proven otherwise. Secondly, these are only a few examples of legal issues faced by players. However, these incidents definitely affect the way teams operate, as no one can predict a player being unavailable for duty as a result of legal troubles any more than they can predict injuries. Not to mention, the NFL may get involved with any of these incidents and issue its own discipline by way of fines and/or suspensions if the situations warrant it under the current CBA. Regardless of what happens, team officials around the league may be trying to take it easy these days, but everyone will breathe a little easier when players report for the season and the time for distractions and trouble has passed.