NFL Eliminates Pro Bowl Game, Adds Player-Accountability System
Pro Bowl selections will still be made.
On Wednesday, the NFL and its players announced two major changes. First, the league decided to discontinue its Pro Bowl game, which it had been seeking ways to rejuvenate for years. The Pro Bowl had recently transformed into a flag football event and skills competitions, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged that the game's quality had remained below NFL standards.
Despite this, the league would continue honoring selected Pro Bowl players. Instead of the Pro Bowl, the NFL will select 88 players annually and celebrate them in Los Angeles next year.
Simultaneously, the NFL and the NFL Players Association unveiled a new player-accountability system. This system mandates a one-game suspension for any player who violates safety rules three times during the season. Players have the right to appeal any fines to hearing officers appointed jointly by the NFL and NFLPA. The violations covered include hip-drop tackles, horse-collar tackles, launching, illegal hits on defenseless players, and illegal blindside blocks.
Should a player commit just one violation, the league will refund half of their fine at the end of the season. These measures aim to promote safer play and proper techniques while also adjusting the disciplinary process to encourage behavioral improvement among players.
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- NFL Eliminates Pro Bowl Game, Adds Player-Accountability System sports.yahoo.com
