Domestic Violence in the NFL: A Growing Concern

Domestic Violence in the NFL is a growing concern. A USA Today database that tracks players from 2000 to today showed that there were 87 domestic violence arrests among 80 players. This number may seem low to some, however, an analysis shows that they account for 48% of the violent crimes committed by NFL players. Today there are 12 active players with domestic violence arrests. Over the past few months there had been many instances of domestic violence reports within the NFL. Since the increase of reported cases and criticism, the commissioner, Roger Goodell, has revamped the punishment that is handed down to the NFL personnel, but is it enough? In the past players were suspended for a game or two, and if the charges were reduced the severity of the punishment was reduced. If the charges were dropped, the player’s name was cleared. This surely was not enough, because even though the charges were reduced or dropped doesn’t mean the incident didn’t happen. The new revamped policy states that a player’s first offense will result in a six game unpaid suspension, and the second offense will be a lifetime ban. If a player receives a lifetime ban, they can petition for reinstatement a year after the incident. This rule doesn’t only apply to the players. It also applies to owners, executives, and coaching staff. In my opinion, for the second offense, until I see a player denied reinstatement, they will only receive a year suspension. The commissioner shouldn’t be the only person taking the lead in this situation. I would hope that teams and players would also take the lead to help combat domestic violence instead of covering it up. NFL teams and players are role models for our youth, and our youth tend to mimic their role models.

Submitted by Adam.