Professor

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_458906.html

Holmes could be in trouble with NFL

No. 1 draft pick Santonio Holmes may be in violation of NFL policy as well as the laws of Ohio and Florida, which could impact the outset of his career with the Steelers, including his impending contract negotiations with the team.

Holmes' arrest early Monday morning in Columbus, Ohio, demands a league review, which could result in a disciplinary response under the NFL's personal conduct policy.

Such discipline could range from "clinical evaluation" to "suspension."

"It's a zero-tolerance policy," Pittsburgh-based agent Ralph Cindrich said Tuesday.


According to the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, as it's presented on NFLmedia.com, "engaging in violent and/or criminal activity is unacceptable."

Unsigned rookies such as Holmes are considered covered by the policy once they're drafted.

Under the policy, it is considered conduct detrimental for "covered persons to engage in (or to aid, abet or conspire to engage in or to incite) violent and/or criminal activity. Examples of such prohibited conduct include, without limitation: any crime involving the use or threat of physical violence to a person or persons."

Covered persons charged with prohibited conduct "will be required to undergo a clinical evaluation and, if appropriate, additional counseling or treatment as directed. Failure to comply with evaluation and counseling obligations (including being arrested for or charged with additional criminal activity during the evaluation and counseling period) shall itself be conduct detrimental to the National Football League and shall be punishable by fine or suspension at the discretion of the commissioner."

Covered persons "convicted of or admitting to a criminal violation (including a plea to a lesser included offense; a plea of nolo contendere or no contest; or the acceptance of a diversionary program, deferred adjudication, disposition of supervision, or similar arrangement) will be subject to discipline as determined by the commissioner."

Holmes, a former Ohio State wide receiver, was arraigned Monday on charges of domestic violence by assault and assault, both first-degree misdemeanors, as well as an outstanding charge for speeding from a traffic accident on Oct. 18, 2005.

The domestic violence by assault and assault charges are punishable by a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Holmes pleaded not guilty on all three charges.

Holmes was released on his own recognizance Monday afternoon from the Franklin County (Ohio) jail and reported to the Steelers' South Side practice facility yesterday morning. He was put through his paces on the field by wide receivers coach Bruce Arians, spent some time in the weight room with conditioning coach Chet Fuhrman and met with director of football operations Kevin Colbert.

Holmes did not speak with reporters, but the Steelers issued the following statement from him:

"I understand that being a Pittsburgh Steeler carries along with it the demands for responsible behavior off the field. I want to apologize for the negative attention that my arrest on Monday has brought upon the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, especially in light of my previous arrest in May."

Holmes was arrested for disorderly conduct over the Memorial Day weekend in Miami Beach, a charge a Miami Beach police spokesman dismissed as "nothing."

Holmes has a pre-trial hearing scheduled for July 7 in Ohio and another impending court date July 12 in Florida.

His agent, Joel Segal, declined comment yesterday. Steelers management also declined comment.

Cindrich anticipates that Holmes' troubles with the law will affect his upcoming contract negotiations with the Steelers.

"I don't think there's any question that any clause for protection they can get in there, they'll get in there," Cindrich said. "Almost assuredly, the club is going to force as much of a good conduct policy (into the contract) as possible.

"It's highly unlikely he'll receive a signing bonus in the same manner and fashion as other draft choices (with the majority being paid up front). It'll likely be spread out more (over several years) and contain a few more conditions."

The severity of any discipline handed out by the NFL would depend upon how violent it estimates Holmes to have been, Cindrich said.

Holmes' attorney, Sam Shamansky, wouldn't rule out the Ohio misdemeanor charges being dropped eventually.

"It's always possible," Shamansky said. "There's no sort of protocol on these things. Each case is unique, but as domestic violence charges go, they're all serious."

Cindrich said the league wouldn't necessarily wait for a conviction before administering its penalty.

Calls to the NFL yesterday were not returned.

"It may be a reprimand, may be a warning," Cindrich said. "If it got into a situation where there are just gruesome facts, I would see it happening right away."

BigOrangenation33

wut do u know another professional athlete in trouble with the law

BigOrangenation33

this could a be a big loss for the steelers but you know wut...he wont get into trouble...hes a professional athlete and they can do as they please...itll all get dismissed or something...it always does unfortunatly

Professor

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_458869.html

Holmes behind schedule

No. 1 draft pick Santonio Holmes looked "light years" behind during a workout Tuesday on the South Side, which came as no surprise to Steelers wide receivers coach Bruce Arians.

"He's missed 15 practices," Arians said.

Holmes, a wide receiver from Ohio State, was unable to participate in the organized team activities the Steelers conducted following their three-day minicamp in May because of an agreement between the NFL and the NCAA that prohibits rookies from joining professional teams for such activities before their school's current classes have graduated.

Of greater concern to Holmes and the Steelers of late has been Holmes being arrested Monday in Columbus, Ohio, on charges of domestic violence by assault, assault and speeding, relating to a traffic accident Holmes had been involved in Oct. 18, 2005.


Holmes pleaded not guilty to all three charges Monday and was released on his own recognizance from the Franklin County (Ohio) jail.

"It's rough," Arians said. "It's hard on him. He's not that kind of kid. To get beat up like he's been getting is killing him.

"He'll be fine once we get back to football."

Arians characterized Holmes' physical state as "excellent, from what I could tell."

Holmes, 5-foot-11, 189 pounds and the owner of a 4.38 40-yard dash, caught passes from quarterback Shane Boyd, a first-year pro from Kentucky, under Arians' watchful eye.

The tutorial sessions will continue as planned throughout this week, as the Steelers attempt to catch Holmes up on what he missed during the coaching sessions.

Not that they're feeling any great pressure or urgency to do so thanks to their status as defending Super Bowl champions.

"He doesn't have to play in the first game to save us," Arians said of Holmes. "He just has to come in and play at his own pace. We just have to stay encouraged because it's going to be a rough adjustment. You can only watch so much film. Eventually, you have to get out there and do it.

"I think he'll catch up quick. He's a bright kid, very conscientious."

As for the Steelers' depth at the receiver position, "that's the most talent in one room that I've ever been around," Arians said. "We'll cut two guys that can play in the league, maybe three."

Holmes will not be one of those guys.

"No," Arians said, "but he'll have to compete to get on the field."

juggalo6772

I didnt like it when they picked him for alot of reasons, and i just didnt think he whould fit in to there system. Now he looks like a common Crook.

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ABuccsFan

Honestly, I'm glad character ranks high on the Buccs priority list. The best atlete in the world can't catch passes or run the ball form prison, or the bench while serving a suspension. Sure everyteam has players that fall through the cracks, even the Buccs. But character is a very high priority when drafting. Evidence by their passing on Justice, and Holmes. 2 players a lot of pundits had the Buccs drafting pre draft.