The relationship between the NFL and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has done a lot in helping to educate fans against the dangers of driving drunk. However, the relationship has left a lot to be desired when it comes to educating players.
MADD CEO Debbie Weir told USA Today that the three-year partnership between the league and the organization has made progress in educating fans, but only a pair of teams have taken advantage of MADD’s program to educate players.
According to the report, only the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers use MADD services to teach players about the dangers of drunken driving.
This comes on the heels of the intoxication manslaughter arrest of Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent, who was the driver in a one-car drunken driving crash that killed teammate Jerry Brown on Saturday.
“I would say that the NFL and the league office are very supportive of MADD providing this type of presentation to all of the teams,” Weir told USA Today. “They sent out a memo at the beginning of the season to each team saying, ‘This is our partnership with MADD, this is what MADD can do for you.’ I’m not sure why more clubs haven’t engaged with us on that level. You’d have to ask them. The NFL is hoping this can grow next year.”
The NFL said it will review the situation with its clubs.
