AP

On Sunday, the Lions will have access to defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh despite a blatant violation of player safety rules. On Saturday, the Panthers won’t have access to defensive end Greg Hardy for something he allegedly did off the field, but for which he has not yet been determined to be legally responsible in any way.

And that’s the outcome for a league that has placed P.R. concerns over competitive balance.

Starting with Hardy and Vikings running back Adrian Peterson and now continuing as a matter of policy, players merely accused of certain types of crimes will be placed on paid leave. The league office insists paid leave does not constitute discipline because players are still receiving their checks. NFL executive V.P. of football operations Troy Vincent (along with common sense) suggest otherwise.

The written ruling in Suh’s appeal highlights the common-sensical notion that paid leave creates a negative impact, on the player, and beyond.