The commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, stated how he hoped to yield leadership on problems that have recently struck the NFL, especially in regard to domestic violence. During the League's meeting in New York this week they are planning to revisit the personal conduct policy for the players. The meeting is supposed to spark changes in the policy as well as a hope to drive national awareness of domestic violence.
The owner of the Houston Texans, Bob McNair, stated that a member of his family had been sexually assaulted, and after that incident McNair has felt closer to the issue of domestic violence and would like to not only see changes made in the NFL, but hopes to spark changes in society as well. McNair would like to see programs implemented to prevent these issues from occurring.
Below is a timeline calendar from the USA Today article that highlights the amount of domestic violence cases and actions done in the last month.
Domestic violence is an issue that has always been around, but not always publicized. In the last couple of months, there have been many cases brought to the media's attention including Hope Solo, the US Women's Soccer Goalie, and 3 cases from the NFL, Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, and Jonathan Dwyer. None of these cases are the same, and not all of them are being addressed the same either. I definitely think it is important for the NFL to take a stand and make changes to the current personal conduct policy. So many people follow the sport of football in the fall and by the League taking a stand against domestic violence it could spark more societal action and bring more media and attention to issues of domestic violence. I feel as though some of the athletes may feel invincible because they are a pro athlete and nothing can touch them. They need to face the consequences, if they a found guilty. Especially in the case of Ray Rice; after watching that video I found it very disturbing that he just showed no emotion or care towards what he had done. Athletes need to pay the same consequences as everyone else, just because they are elite athletes does not give them an excuse to get away with domestic violence.
USA Today Article: NFL owners set to discuss domestic violence prevention
Great post Emilyy!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that the NFL should change their conduct policies. Being such a high media coverage organization, they need to set an example showing that any form of domestic violence is wrong. This goes for all high profile sports and organizations, not just the NFL. Those who are held high in the community need to be the ones to take the first steps towards change. Their fans, and in turn the society, will follow.
Playing devils advocate, the athletes are doing their job. The domestic violence cases have been outside of their work environment and in their personal lives. You say here that they should be getting the same punishment as everyone else, which is very true. But does the average person get punished at work for issues they have gone through at home? What goes on in the average persons life is private, that their employer has no business in unless it is effecting them from performing their duties at work. If it is not effecting the athletes duties as a professional player, does their employer (the NFL in this case) have the right to add additional punishment?
Just sparking a different view maybe! I personally think the NFL and other organizations need to develop punishment because the players are role models for the community. It should be stressed in their contracts that part of your duties in this job is to be a good role model to society.
Definitely needs to be change!