League Discipline

• Among the on-field infractions that can result in a fine are flagrant personal fouls, fighting, verbal abuse, unsportsmanlike conduct, physical contact with an official, throwing a football into the stands, wearing unauthorized logos and use of cell phones. These fines range from $2,000 for unnecessarily entering into a fight area to $100,000 for logo violations.
  
  Off-field violations such as use of alcohol, drugs, and steroids are governed by the NFL substance-abuse policy. Violation of the NFL substance-abuse policy can range from fines to suspensions and expulsion from the NFL for life. The severity of the fine or suspension depends on whether this is the player's first, second or third violation.
  
  

Commissioner Discipline

• The NFL fine rule Section 11, Subsection 1: b states that fines and suspensions resulting from unnecessary roughness or unsportsmanlike conduct on the field shall be initially determined by a person appointed by the commissioner. Usually the director football operations handles these types of cases.
  
  

Notification

• Once the person appointed by the commissioner decides the fine or suspension, the commissioner's appointee will promptly send written notice to the player. The player has 10 days to appeal the fine or suspension.
  
  

Appeal

• After the player notifies the commissioner of the appeal, the commissioner will decide the time and date of the appeals hearing. This hearing must occur within 10 days of receipt of the player's appeal.
  
  

The Hearing

• The NFL Players Association and the commissioner decide whether the commissioner or commissioner's appointee will preside over the hearing.
  The hearing can be done by telephone conference call or in person with the Commissioner or his representative. Legal counsel or the NFL Players Association can represent the player.
  
  

The Ruling

• Once the hearing is concluded, the commissioner notifies the player in writing of his final decision.