I don't know if the NFL will view a DUI (which most times falls under the league's substance abuse policy) compared to felony gun possession and a hit and run incident. If this is considered a strike in the league's substance abuse policy, Lynch may not have any other strikes.
I doubt Lynch will get a 6-8 game suspension. I would guess he will get 3-4 games and then have one game reduced on appeal.
I've heard that as well. If it does, can Goodell double dip on the suspension. In other words, if he is only subject to a small suspension under the substance abuse rules, can Goodell cite the conduct policy and tack on more?
Per the CBA rules on substance abuse, if Lynch was a first time offender (and I don't believe there is even a way to look it up), the league should not be able to suspend him for that. To briefly recap the league's substance abuse policy (unless it changed with last year's new CBA),- First strike, mandatory enrollment in the league's substance abuse counseling program, no suspension.
- Second strike, 4 game suspension. Potentially 6 games if he did other things that did not comply.
- Third strike, minimum yearlong suspension and the player has to ask for reinstatement.
However, the strikes carry a shelf life, meaning that if a player continues to go to counseling and stays clean, after a certain point the strikes go away. I believe that is a two year cycle, but I can't remember exactly.
As far as Lynch goes, Goodell has made use of the conduct unbecoming clause, and that's where he would likely strike again this time. Given that the league SEEMS to view a player's first DUI or drug related infraction as a less severe offense, that MAY enter into the penalty phase this time.
However, IIRC, in the past Lynch was investigated for:
Sexual assault and domestic violence (case dropped and never charged)
Hit and run (plead guilty to failure to exercise due care to avoid striking a pedestrian)
Possession of marijuana and felony gun possession (reduced to 3 misdeamonr charges with no drug charges filed).
Stealing money from the wife of a police officer (no charges ever filed)
I don't know what Goodell will do this go round, but that's an outline of Lynch's police blotter.