by GENE FRENETTE , Florida Times-Union

Now that organized team activities are done, NFL summer vacation is an ideal time to gauge whether the Jaguars are ready to stop making news for the wrong reasons. Of the dozen Jaguars arrested over a 27-month period, starting with a DUI in November 2006, only linebacker Justin Durant (resisting arrest without violence) is still with the team.

Nearly six weeks remain until the Jaguars open training camp (Aug. 2), so here's a list of rules that should help this team minimize or totally eradicate its appearances on the police blotter:

Khalif Barnes rule No. 1: Crashing vehicles into trees is strictly prohibited, especially when the explanation of where you were going contradicts the direction in which your mangled car is heading.

Barnes rule No. 2: No calling Jacksonville a "hick town" when the police video recorder is running.

Travarous Bain rule: Driving at excessive speed with a revoked license will be tolerated in some instances, but not if you're a practice-squad player or really low on the depth chart.

Plaxico Burress rule: If you must fire a gun, make certain it's not at a nightclub and that all parts of your body are clearly out of the way.

Ahmad Carroll rule: Being arrested for carrying a pistol and ecstasy tablets is never acceptable. And if you can't cover anybody, it's pretty much a career-killer.

Matt Jones rule: The use of all credit cards is permissible for legitimate purchases, but not to cut up cocaine in a vehicle with police in the vicinity. (Note: Contrary to a famous credit-card commercial, sometimes it's best to leave home without it.)

Brandon Marshall rule: Help the team by playing offense, defense and special teams, not by being arrested multiple times on various charges.

Stockar McDougle rule: Offensive linemen are encouraged to push and shove people, but not senior citizens trying to retrieve a bounced check.

Eugene Robinson rule: Never stoop to offering an undercover police officer money in exchange for sex, which applies year-round, not just the night before playing in a Super Bowl.

Gerald Sensabaugh rule No. 1: Apply for a gun permit before carrying one in public.

Sensabaugh rule No. 2: Wait until retirement before doing wheelies on a motorcycle.

Brian Williams/Brent Hawkins rule: When going out and intending to consume more than a token amount of alcohol, hire a limousine driver. (Note: It's a lot less expensive than a DUI on your record or whatever designated team lawyer Hank Coxe charges for his services.)

Reggie Williams rule: Besides refraining from celebrating all non-TD catches under 10 yards, stop taking up residence on Planet Knucklehead.

Please have a safe summer.

gene.frenette@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4540

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