Bears rookie offensive lineman Lance Louis, who declined to say anything about the misdemeanor assault charge he received in San Diego on Tuesday, could face potential discipline from the NFL even though the incident occurred last fall when he was playing for San Diego State University.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk first reported the news, and NFL senior vice president for public relations Greg Aiello confirmed it via e-mail. Louis' alleged attack of former Aztecs teammate Nick Sandford falls under the league's personal conduct policy because the charge was filed against him after he entered into the NFL. Players can be suspended or fined for violations of the personal conduct policy.
Louis allegedly attacked Sandford from behind, fracturing his cheekbone, breaking his eardrum and leaving him with a concussion.
Assuming he stays out of jail, I have to believe the NFL is going to puff up it's chest and just let this one slide. There have to be some people, not just players, who have risen to prominent positions in the league who are going to think back. They are going to think back and decide that what happened in college needs to stay at college.