Has the NFL Done Enough to Stop Domestic Violence among Players?
It’s a video that has been viewed many times.
It’s at the center of debate when it comes to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and how he is handling domestic violence in the NFL.
“He’s in a very difficult position. You are talking about the NFL. One of the most popular sports by far. And for an operation like TMZ to be able to obtain this video tape and the NFL was not able to, I don’t buy that,” said sports analyst John Longshore.
People we talked to say the NFL needs to take a stand.
“It’s not a Ray Rice problem, it’s an owner problem and Roger Goodell problem. If they would set a precedence, not saying they should take on every social issue because their job is to get the best players on the field and make money. But at the same time, somebody needs to set precedence. I think they should do it,” said Dennis Montgomery.
And they have opinions on what that should look like.
“Spousal abuse and all that is not going to be tolerated in the NFL and it will cause you to get kicked out indefinitely. Period,” said Edward Hill.
Ainsley Faulk tells us, “I know personally we’re college athletes and anytime we’re in a situation like that whether it be not showing up to practice on time or–and that’s something very minor to domestic violence issue– I feel like it should be unacceptable and intolerable in the NFL especially with the amount of money that those guys are getting paid.”
While many local fans feel strongly about it, sports analyst John Longshore says many NFL fans will remain loyal.
“I even heard them say it was like an extension of their family and when one of the players has something bad going on in their lives or something that might embarrass the team, they kind of rally around like ‘how can you kick out a family member?'” said Longshore.
Roger Goodell had suspended Ray Rice for two games and then after the video surfaced, it was lengthened to “indefinitely.”
As of Tuesday, the NFL players’ union has appealed the league’s suspension.
