Oct 24, 2008 7:50 am US/Pacific
Goodell Says 'Pacman' Could Play In NFL Again
NEW YORK (AP) ―
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Cornerback Adam Jones No. 21 of the Dallas Cowboys. (File)
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Roger Goddell is leaving open the possibility that suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones could play again in the NFL, but made it clear the oft-troubled player must first work through his off-field issues.
The commissioner said on ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike in the Morning show that he's grown weary of the trouble caused by Jones, who checked into an alcohol treatment facility after his latest suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
"I've been consistent on this one. He has to recognize his responsibility to play in the NFL," Goodell said from London, where the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints are preparing to play Sunday.
"He has not made good decisions," Goodell added. "I think after this latest incident it was clear to me there was something else going on that we need to evaluate and we need to address directly."
Only six weeks after being reinstated from a 17-month suspension because of repeated legal problems, Jones ran into trouble again when he was involved in an alcohol-related scuffle Oct. 7 with one of his bodyguards at a private party in Dallas.
The Cowboys had employed the bodyguards to try to keep Jones out of trouble.
Team owner Jerry Jones said Monday that his latest reclamation project had entered an alcohol treatment facility "in another part of the country" and that it was done entirely through and by the NFL.
The league declined to comment, but has said Jones' reinstatement will depend on strict compliance with treatment plans and an evaluation by "clinical experts."
Goodell plans to determine the full length of the suspension after the Cowboys play Nov. 16 at Washington. He has said a lifetime ban remains a possibility.
"If he can deal with whatever issues he may have, handle his responsibilities, make good decisions, then he may have an opportunity to play again in the league," Goodell said.
"I'm frankly tired of talking about it right now."
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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