thurman.JPG

The NFL will "look into" an incident in which Jets defensive coordinator is accused of slapping a woman. Per the league's personal conduct policy, it's not clear what sort of discipline can be meted out.

(William Perlman/Star-Ledger file photo)

FLORHAM PARK -- Even though Jets defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman was not arrested or charged after a woman told police he slapped her earlier this week, Thurman could still face discipline from the NFL under the league's personal conduct policy.

From the conduct policy, which applies not only to players, but to "[a]ll persons associated with the NFL":

That's obviously a broad definition that gives the league a lot of leeway. That said, the league has not always been as swift to impose discipline on management as it has been with players, as demonstrated here and here.

Asked how the NFL is handling the matter, a league spokesman on Saturday told NJ.com, "As with any such incident, we will look into it to make sure we understand the facts."

The personal conduct policy goes on to outline specific circumstances that could call for punishment, while noting that this applies "even where the conduct itself does not result in conviction of a crime."

Specifically, here are two such circumstances:

So: Would the league determine an allegation in which Thurman was accused—but neither arrested nor charged—to be something that "undermines or puts at risk the integrity and reputation of the NFL"?

The policy goes on to state that the punishment could take the form of "fines, suspension, or banishment," but that any discipline "will be based on the nature of the incident, the actual or threatened risk to the participant and others, any prior or additional misconduct (whether or not criminal charges were filed), and other relevant factors."

Thurman, 58, was accused of slapping a 28-year-old woman after she refused his advances at a Morristown restaurant on Wednesday. The woman told police about the incident, but the cops closed their investigation without arresting Thurman or pressing charges. Police did, however, tell the woman she could pursue a disorderly persons charge through the local courts.

While it's tough to gauge what the league will, in fact, do, the policy also includes this, which could work to Thurman's benefit:

Jets head coach Rex Ryan on Saturday defended Thurman's character, telling reporters at the team's rookie minicamp that while he didn't know all the facts, he didn't think Thurman would ever strike a woman.

You can read the NFL's personal conduct policy below.