The last few weeks have been crazy for the NFL and domestic violence. From Ray Rice to Greg Hardy, it has put the NFL and Roger Goodell under a microscope. So, much so that the NFL changed its Domestic Violence penalties to a two strikes and you are out deal.
First offense warrants a six game suspension and a second offense warrants a lifetime ban.
All of the sudden changes prompted me to ask a few writers what they thought about DV and the NFL’s changes to the rules.
Check out our answers and feel free to join the convo.
Markeisha Everett, Contributor on The Front Office News-
Do you think the new NFL domestic violence policy is fair?
No, I don’t think the new policy is fair. First, I think it’s unfair because the way I understand it the policy only covers players. If the commissioner, an owner, executive, coach, etc decides they want to slap a women around they should have the same consequences (if not more) as the athlete. Second, I think it’s unrealistic. Domestic violence is terrible and it’s a real problem in our society. They’ve set up a training session for rookies entering the league, but that is not enough. What about the veteran players?
The people involved in situations like these usually have issues that need to be explored and not swept under the rug. Where is the actual help for the player coming from?! How will the NFL help rehabilitate him?! Rehabilitation won’t help everyone, but if measures can be taken to help a player become a better man, human why not try? These men and women need guidance and counseling. Third, the NFL has a lot of power in today’s society. They have influence, money and resources and can really can set the tone and become a positive voice in communities. I’d like to see them take a sincere interest and lead the way and become activist and start educational programming within communities.
Do you think the change was made too soon or not soon enough?
The NFL has been dealing with domestic violence and rape violence for a while, so I’d say the policy should have been in place sooner. The publicity from the Ray Rice situation was heightened and put a lot of pressure on the NFL to finally do something. However, even though it didn’t come soon enough I feel the new policy was implemented from a negative place. The NFL wants to make an example out of someone to divert the negative attention that could result in the lost of viewers, sponsors and overall money. I want to feel like the league is sincere in their approach and action and right now that’s not the case.
What would you tweak?
Besides what I mentioned earlier I’d tweak whats considered an offense. Is someone subject to the consequences of this policy if no legal actions are in place? How will these situations be investigated and monitored? The commissioner needs to partner with the players association and get feedback and work out some real details.
