The NFL wants to revise the personal conduct policy. The NFL would like the NFL Players Association to approve of the changes. Without that approval, the NFL seems to be determined to proceed.
Per a league source, the league’s proposals to the NFLPA consistently keep final say over player discipline in the hands of the Commissioner. The union wants third-party arbitration.
The NFL also has suggested the use of third-party experts to make the initial decision regarding discipline, with the Commissioner keeping authority over the appeal process. The union, which walked out of last week’s meeting to address the issue, has no interest in permitting the Commissioner to keep his current level of authority.
It’s unclear what options the NFLPA has, if/when the NFL unilaterally implements a new personal conduct policy. The league believes that it is within its rights to change the policy without formal bargaining with the union.