Happy July 4th! And hey NFL players, please stay out of trouble! Why offer this sentiment today? Because NFL players tend to get into trouble on Independence Day.
NFL players, please don’t fall into the July 4 trap
Wednesday’s Rise ‘n Grind offers a reminder to NFL players to stay out of trouble on one of the busiest days for police officers.
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Maybe it’s because the holiday is smack in the middle of the offseason so they feel they can indulge. Maybe it’s the summer heat mixed with a little alcohol. Maybe fireworks just get NFL players excited and ready for mischief.
But for some reason, July 4 is a big day for arrests across the country and that includes NFL player arrests. According to the USA Today NFL Player Arrests database, five NFL players have been arrested on July 4 since 2001. And that doesn’t include a recently infamous July 4th NFL player conundrum.
You surely remember Jason Pierre-Paul injuring his hand while setting off fireworks at his home in Florida on July 4, 2015. It caused him to have his right index finger amputated and he missed half of the following NFL season. When he returned for the final eight games of the 2015 season, he wore a bulky club, which evolved to a glove over his hand. JPP’s mistake should serve as a warning for all NFL players to stay away from fireworks and out of trouble on Independence Day (and all days)!
And in case you (or your favorite NFL players) need some inspiration to stay out of trouble, I’ll just leave this here...
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Let’s hope NFL players stay out of the news this July 4 and that everyone enjoys their Independence Day!
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Pre-Holiday Suspensions
Because, of course the NFL would announce three suspensions the day before a holiday.
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Tweet of the Day
Los Angeles Chargers offensive tackle Russell Okung took to Twitter to discuss NFL player salaries, the portrayal of players who fight for their rights to earn sizable paychecks and the Collective Bargaining Agreement. His thread is a reminder that when the CBA expires in 2021, we’re going to be in for a hefty battle between the NFLPA and NFL owners. Click through to see the full thread
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