The proposed NFL rules change that would bar players from wearing hair long enough to cover the names on their jerseys has become a big off-season story, with pundits debating the issue and the league preparing to vote on it next week. But few stories have pointed out the huge problem with the rule: The plain language of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NFL and the players' union says it can't be enforced.
Article VII, Section 2 of the league's agreement with the union says: "Clubs may make and enforce reasonable rules governing players' appearance on the field and in public places while representing the Clubs; provided, however, that no player will be disciplined because of hair length or facial hair."
Yes, it's true that the NFL could say the rule -- which was proposed by the Chiefs and would target players such as Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu and Jacksonville's Rashean Mathis -- doesn't technically discipline the player "because of hair length." They could say it technically only disciplines the player for failing to tuck the hair inside his helmet. But it's hard to imagine that the union wouldn't challenge such an interpretation and win.
So really, why are the owners even bothering with this? Let's hope they vote it down swiftly next week.
ADVERTISEMENT
_thumbnail.jpg "NASCAR Cowboy Hats")
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. I hope they vote it down!I think it should be up to the players in question.The very few players that have it should be allowed to keep it!They know that they can be tackled by it.Polamalu was tackled by his hair and didn't cut it.
Posted at 10:37PM on Mar 26th 2008 by Chris Eckel
2. At what point and time did all of this power go to the commishes head? These are grown men with families. Who needs another grown man telling him how long he can wear his hair? With freedom comes the possibility that sombody will wear something that somebody else doesn't like, you have the freedom to ignore it not try and change it to what you like. Get a life commish.
Posted at 12:04AM on Mar 27th 2008 by carolinafan#1
3. What is this long haired football players don't know the meaning of the words "Look professional."?
Posted at 1:03AM on Mar 27th 2008 by George B Vieto
4. negative...
Let's hope its passed by all 32 teams.
The long hair covering the player's numbers goes against the NFL's precisely crafted image control.
Additionally, its annoying not being able to read a player's name due to their golden locks.
If they fine Clinton Portis $15k for wearing the wrong socks, than long hair should be punishable offense.
Posted at 10:22AM on Mar 27th 2008 by mbyte84
5. we are talking about hair here...HAIR! so fruity
Posted at 1:46PM on Mar 27th 2008 by domskia
6. Here goes Herman again. Pole vaulting over mouse droppings. He is worrying about length of players hair and his team just lost 9 games in a row. He has done nothing to improve the Chiefs for next season. So maybe he can go to Mr. Hunt and say, I got the players to cut their hair.
Posted at 1:16PM on Mar 31st 2008 by KC Chief #1 fan
7. Here goes Herman again. Pole vaulting over mouse droppings. He is worrying about length of players hair and his team just lost 9 games in a row. He has done nothing to improve the Chiefs for next season. So maybe he can go to Mr. Hunt and say, I got the players to cut their hair.
Posted at 1:17PM on Mar 31st 2008 by KC Chief #1 fan