Packers believe they have the NFL's gambling policy covered
NFL players are experiencing a learning curve they didn't expect to encounter during the offseason: the league's gambling policy. So far, five players have been suspended for various lengths of time and two more are currently under investigation. One team in particular -the Detroit Lions- has been hit hard in the form of four suspended […]
NFL players are experiencing a learning curve they didn't expect to encounter during the offseason: the league's gambling policy.
So far, five players have been suspended for various lengths of time and two more are currently under investigation. One team in particular -the Detroit Lions- has been hit hard in the form of four suspended players and another is under the aforementioned investigation.
The Green Bay Packers are using part of this week's mandatory minicamp to make sure they don't encounter the same pitfalls as their NFC North rival.
"We'll have our gambling policy meeting on Thursday," LaFleur told reporters Tuesday. "That's something we've tried to stay in front of with all the news, obviously, and some of the suspensions that have occurred throughout the league. [We're] making sure our guys are well-educated on it because the last thing you want to do is put yourself in a bad spot."
The Packers have been diligent with this in the past. It doesn't sound like they were proactive, per se; but after any relevant news breaks, LaFleur and co. made sure to round everyone up and let them know the lay of the land and what's at stake.
But when it's all said and done, it's ultimately up to players to not only understand the rules, but abide them, as well.
"I think any time news of that came out, it was certainly addressed in our team meetings," said LaFleur. "Just making sure that guys are aware of what the rules are. I think that's a lot of the issue: guys aren't quite aware of what they can and cannot do. So you want to make sure everybody's educated, because if you get yourself in a bad spot and you do something you aren't supposed to do – it doesn't really matter.
"You're supposed to know the rules and it's our jobs as coaches and as an organization to educate our guys on what is acceptable.
The good thing is, LaFleur feels like the Packers are in a good spot. But at the same time, he'll never really know. Investigations, as we've seen, can crop up months after the fact. It doesn't really seem like there is a statute of limitations on the length of time between placing a bet and getting popped for it.
Either way, it's obviously better to feel encouraged than discouraged. The bottom line is the Packers are doing this the right way and the process should lead to good results.
"I believe so. We haven't had any issues," LaFleur said when asked how he feels about the team's understanding of the rules. "So, knock on wood, I do think so. You always want to constantly remind the guys and I'm sure it's not going to be the last we talk about this."
Featured image via Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
