The NFL will not allow prospects to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine if a background check shows misdemeanor or felony convictions involving violence or use of a weapon, domestic violence, sexual offense and/or sexual assault.
"It is important for us to remain strongly committed to league values as we demonstrate to our fans, future players, coaches, general managers, and others who support our game that character matters," states NFL Football Operations Executive Vice President Troy Vincent in the memo to NFL teams.
Zach Mettenberger wouldn't have been allowed to participate under the new rule as he pled guilty to misdemeanor sexual battery in 2010.