NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is seriously studying the Adam Jones altercation from last week and weighing what he feels would be the most appropriate action to take.

Suffice to say, a suspension is a viable alternative based on the commissioner’s statement at the time he granted limited reinstatement to Jones in June.

“Commissioner Goodell told Jones that his continued participation in the NFL depends on demonstrating that he can conduct himself in a lawful and reliable manner,” the statement said.

The question now is whether Jones conducted himself in a “lawful and reliable manner.” Lawful, maybe; reliable, no. If Goodell goes ahead and suspends Jones, it would not be expected to be for the remainder of the season. But a suspension for at least one game, and quite possibly longer, is realistic.

It is possible for this reason more than any other: Jones has been on a short leash with the league and now, even though last week’s incident was not considered a big deal within the Cowboys organization, it is significant to Goodell. It will be grouped with Jones’ other behavior, as well as the warning the league gave him when it reinstated him just before the start of the regular season.

Jones now has been arrested six times and involved in 13 incidents requiring police intervention – six and 13! — since entering the league in 2005.

A decision from the league could come by Tuesday.

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