Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, August 4, 2026

NFL won’t allow players with domestic violence, sexual assault convictions at combine

The NFL Combine will be held Feb. 23-29.

If you buy something from a link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL has informed teams that prospects who have been convicted of domestic violence or sexual assault will not be permitted to attend the league’s annual scouting combine, according to a memo obtained by USA Today’s Lindsay H. Jones.

The memo, which was penned by the NFL's executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent and sent out last month, stated that all players entering the combine would be required to undergo a background check. If a player refused, or if the background check revealed a domestic violence or sexual assault conviction, that player would be banned from all "league-related events," including the NFL Draft.

“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 wrote in the memo, according to USA Today.

Vincent, however, did inform teams that players barred from the combine will be able to work out and interview with clubs on an individual basis with no restrictions.

The 2016 NFL Combine will take place Feb. 23-29 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. More than 300 college players attend each year. The NFL Draft will be held April 28-30 in Chicago.

See More:

More in NFL

NFL
Kyle Shanahan’s car accident has transformed into the NFL’s biggest mysteryKyle Shanahan’s car accident has transformed into the NFL’s biggest mystery
NFL

A routine traffic accident has become something entirely surreal.

By James Dator
NFL
Aaron Rodgers and D.K. Metcalf take part in training camp toilet pactAaron Rodgers and D.K. Metcalf take part in training camp toilet pact
NFL

If it’s yellow, let it mellow.

By James Dator
NFL
Bills release alternate uniforms so ugly that even die-hard Bills fans hate themBills release alternate uniforms so ugly that even die-hard Bills fans hate them
NFL
The Panthers had a nightmare opening to training campThe Panthers had a nightmare opening to training camp
NFL

A lot went wrong in a short period of time.

By James Dator
NFLFromBaltimore Beatdown
Critics keep moving the goalposts on Lamar JacksonCritics keep moving the goalposts on Lamar Jackson
NFLFromBaltimore Beatdown
By Femi Ayanbadejo
NFL
61 NFL predictions ahead of the 2026 season61 NFL predictions ahead of the 2026 season
NFL

From Week 1 to the Super Bowl and beyond, we give a comprehensive layout of what the 2026 season will look like.

By Jarrett Bailey