Recently, the NFL has been having problems with their players being involved in domestic violence altercations. Baltimore Ravens running back, Ray Rice made national headlines when he was videotaped dragging his unconscious then fiancée out of an elevator.
This particular incident has sparked major controversy not only because of the severity of the domestic violence situation but also because of the extremely lenient penalty he received. Rice was suspended for only two games without pay. Though the suspension was obviously needed, the length of the suspension is what upset most people. While he received only a two game suspension, Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick was suspended for four games for testing positive on a drug test.
Now let’s get this straight — testing positive for drugs receives a stricter punishment than physically abusing a woman? The NFL was making it clear that their policies cater to the physical well-being of their players and how their choices outside of the arena will impact their performance during games. While their players’ performance is essential in keeping the NFL alive and thriving, the NFL is failing to realize that having their players involved in severe domestic violence altercations is tainting the NFL’s brand destroying the values they stand for.
Domestic violence is a very serious issue and should not be taken lightly. Having players receive lenient disciplinary actions after being involved in domestic violence sends a widespread message to the general public, and more importantly, to the youth. NFL players, whether they are aware or not, are community leaders and role models; young boys look up to them and strive to follow in their footsteps. When players are openly abusing women and getting away with merciful punishments, it sends a message that abusing women is normal. Young boys will reciprocate the same respect for women as the NFL league and players have demonstrated.
Although NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced new domestic violence policy changes in August, players are still failing to recognize the severity of the issue. Three days after the policy change, Ray McDonald of the San Francisco 49ers was involved in a domestic dispute with his pregnant girlfriend, in which police reports reveal that she was punched and choked repeatedly. Though the new policy has already been placed in effect, they have yet to penalize McDonald for his actions. This, in turn, raises major concern about the NFL taking their policy seriously. Situations such as these continue to send the message that even though, new changes have been made to the policy, the mentalities of NFL players, as well as the NFL leaders, have remained the same.
New policy or not, the league must focus on recruiting individuals who represent their overall brand and not just the game. The NFL needs to emphasize the growing problem in domestic violence and reconsider their methods of action when it comes to punishments. It’s extremely sad that in this day in age, the NFL allows poundings on and off the field.
