Raising the Standards that the NFL Holds its Players to

This past week, the news has been plastered with reports of Ray Rice being dropped by the Baltimore Ravens due to the release of a “previously” unseen video tape. The video shows a confrontation between Rice and his now wife in the elevator of the Revel Casino in Atlantic City. Rice had already received a punishment from the NFL on July 15^th, 2014 for the incident. The initial punishment was a suspension of two games, which he was serving when the website TMZ released the second video of the incident from inside the elevator. The second video was graphic, violent, and shocking to see.

For many controversial actions by NFL players there are no standard punishments. Would a standard across the board policy of zero tolerance for domestic violence, drug abuse, violence, etc. help to end this ever so common problem with crime and punishment in the NFL? I believe so. NFL players receive astronomical salaries from their organizations, which are cherished by millions of fans. Even though many players may not view their actions and personal lives worthy of public scrutiny, because of their wealth and standing in the US they are by nature. Therefore I believe it would be easier for the NFL, players, and fans to have an across the board policy of zero tolerance. It is unfair to players to have their punishments change in an instant because of increased media reports. It puts unnecessary pressure on the NFL to decide the correct punishment while still appeasing the fans and players alike. It is painful and upsetting for the fans to see their favorite players wait in limbo while dealing with NFL loopholes.

For many American children NFL players are some of their idols. In today’s age there is no excuse for domestic violence or violence in general committed by some of the most well paid Americans. The NFL has simply dealt with incidences of violence, abuse, and drug usage of NFL players as the issues arise. With the power and influence that the NFL has it is unacceptable for the NFL to always be in a reactive position. The NFL must be proactive in holding their players and staff to the highest standards.

I understand that every situation is different and that people make mistakes, but for violence especially domestic violence there is simply no excuse. The NFL should change their policy to have preemptive punishments for domestic violence and violent crimes committed by players rather than evaluating each crime on a case by case basis. By handling issues as they arise the NFL will always face reoccurring incidents. Whereas, taking proactive, harsher steps will hopefully eliminate violence before it occurs.

Even though NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced a new policy of a six game suspension for the first offense of domestic violence and then a lifetime ban for the second offense, it seems too little too late for one of the most powerful American Organizations. The NFL has a history of inconsistent punishments, even with existing regulations, such as head to head hits so we can only hope that they will follow the new standards they have set forth. Perhaps with the increased public scrutiny they may even implement harsher standards, as a six game suspension in a possible twenty game season seems almost insignificant for some of the harshest acts of violence. 

Sources: 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2014/08/28/nfl-toughens-punishment-guidelines-for-domestic-violence/

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/29/sports/football/roger-goodell-admits-he-was-wrong-and-alters-nfl-policy-on-domestic-violence.html?_r=0