NFL to Background Check Players Entering 2016 Draft for Criminal Convictions

Written By ESR News Blog Editor Thomas Ahearn

All college football players planning to enter the 2016 National Football League (NFL) Draft will undergo a criminal record background check that could bar them from attending the NFL Scouting Combine or the NFL Draft if convictions for domestic violence, sexual assault, or weapons charges are revealed, according to a news story on NFL.com.

NFL.com reports that an internal league memo sent to all 32 NFL teams from NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent stated that a player will not be permitted to attend “any league-related event” if a background check reveals a felony or misdemeanor conviction, or if a player refuses to submit to a background check.

“It is important for us to remain strongly committed to league values as we demonstrate to our fans, future players, coaches, general managers and others who support our game that character matters,” Vincent stated in the memo, which also indicated that players with prior criminal convictions revealed on a background check would still be eligible to be drafted.

The memo also revealed that NFL draft prospects must authorize a background check when they register for the combine or else have their invitation rescinded. For employers, authorization and consent for a background check is required under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) that regulates the employment background check process in the United States.

Whether a new hire is a football player or an office worker, background checks help ensure safe workplaces for employers, employees, and the public. Employment Screening Resources® (ESR) is a nationwide background check firm accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS®). For more information, visit www.esrcheck.com.

NOTE: Employment Screening Resources (ESR) does not provide or offer legal services or legal advice of any kind or nature. Any information on this web site is for educational purposes only.

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