FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NFL-8                      3/23/01

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue has notified Mark Chmura that he is cleared to sign a contract and resume his playing career, the NFL announced today. The decision was communicated today in a letter to Chmura’s attorney, Gerald Boyle.

Commissioner Tagliabue informed Chmura that it would be inappropriate under the Collective Bargaining Agreement and NFL policies to impose discipline in this case on the basis of allegations of which Chmura was acquitted.

However, the Commissioner said that Chmura’s abuse of alcohol during the events in question requires that he be evaluated under the league’s Substance Abuse Policy. The Commissioner also noted that the outcome of the pending civil suit against Chmura in Wisconsin could be the basis for disciplinary action.

Commissioner Tagliabue stated in his decision that, while disciplinary action is not warranted at this time, Chmura "clearly used very poor judgment in participating in the high school-related activities involved" in this case. As a result, the Commissioner said, Chmura "should commit himself to disciplined and constructive standards of personal conduct in the future."