Shouldn't NFL Contracts Include Mental / Emotional Bonuses for Player Programs?

AFC West teams will get together soon

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson

03/09/09

The run for the 2009 season is about to commence. Teams are preparing for the start of their offseason conditioning programs.

The programs are voluntary but nearly every player on every team participates, especially since many players have large bonuses for participating in the workouts that are written into their contracts.

Some players have agreements worked into their deals with teams that allow them to work out on their own...

What I cannot understand is how coaches in the NFL understand how important it is to write bonuses into player contracts that voluntary participation in offseason conditioning programs yet these same coaches ignore player conduct.   Why can't coaches write code of conduct into player contracts.  Layout in the contract what the team expects of every player and what will automatically happen when a player fails to meet team requirements. The team should define levels of conduct violations. Every contract should define fines, suspensions, required player participation in mental health programs etc.

In the same way that teams offer bonuses for physical conditioning teams should offer bonuses for mental / emotional conditioning.  Many relationship issues are already formed from high school and college when a player enters the pros that need to be addressed. I understand the NFL has a week program.  Thats a start but it does not go far enough.  Players with red flags are on every team. NFL players need encouragement backed with bonuses and guidance in mental / emotional well being.