Do Rash of DUIs Prove NFL Has Off-Field Behavior Issues?

Making an argument against the NFL's obvious off-field behavior issues is nearly impossible at this point. Roger Goodell and the league's front office have a handful of recklessly irresponsible players for that. 

There's no denying it so let's answer this question right away. The NFL, at least at the moment, is in the midst of an assault. The talent on the field every Sunday hasn't changed, nor has the excitement surrounding training camps; but players seem to get in trouble a few times a week.

That's not new, and it shouldn't be shrugged off. Under no circumstances should this be deemed normal or acceptable. Not only are these players in the public limelight and looked up to by America's youth, but they are adults. 

Yahoo! Sports reporter Doug Farrar spoke to the NFL's issues on July 20. Kenny Britt had just been arrested for the eighth time in three NFL seasons, and the NFL's behavioral issues had reached their peak.

Aside from Britt, Farrar also shed some light on the league's overall situation. 

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In a larger sense, Goodell will have to do something reasonable about the NFL's recent crime wave -- since Super Bowl XVLI ended on the evening of Feb. 5, there have been 27 different arrests of NFL players. In the last week alone, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (DUI), St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (DUI) and Britt (DUI) have all been popped for the same basic offense.

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No, you're not dreaming. Yes, that really says 27 arrests in approximately six months. If that doesn't constitute a problem then I'm not sure what does.

This isn't just a problem. This is an epidemic attacking the personal responsibility of today's gridiron warriors. The only antidote is a swift and harsh punishment. Even then, some players will succumb to their own poor decision making.

Professional football players live in luxury. Most professional athletes do. It comes with the territory, but there are ways to "live it up" without endangering themselves and others. It makes them look stupid, immature and incapable of handling the fame that comes with their tremendous physical gifts. On top of that, it makes their organization look bad and hands the NFL a "criminal" reputation.

Farrar's report came out before rookie Justin Blackmon plead guilty to aggravated DUI. We've also seen Aaron Berry's ongoing saga unfold with his second offseason arrest. 

This issue isn't stopping. It's not a blanket issue. Every NFL player doesn't act like this, but it's widespread enough that it reflects poorly on the entire league. It's a public relations and marketing problem.

Off-field issues will never disappear entirely, but severe examples must be made. The NFL's image hasn't looked this negative in a very long time, and they must take the necessary steps to make sure this isn't a long-term course. 

Goodell hasn't been afraid of an "iron-fist" approach in the past. He's dealt with "Bountygate" and the NFL's never-ending safety issues with firm discipline.

This issue is even more influential because of its social aspects. These aren't NFL players hurting each other for money. It's not James Harrison launching his body like a human battering ram into an opponent's helmet. Criminal offenses oftentimes involve "ordinary" citizens. 

Once incidents breach the walls of the house and make their way into everyday life, they take on a life of their own. Goodell must get a grip now.

The NFL's off-field issues aren't going to go away on their own. The league needs to invest money in rehabilitation programs or counseling sessions for misguided players. They must do whatever it takes to get more heads screwed on straight.

Britt had a ludicrous eight offenses in three seasons; multiple offenders shouldn't be tolerated at all. Players who can't handle the responsibilities that come with being a multimillion dollar football player should no longer have the opportunity to get paid to do what they love. 

It should never come to that, but it has. The NFL's current image makes the offending players look bad, but it casts a pall over the entire league.