NFL Players and Domestic Violence
The prevalence of domestic violence is widespread, not only in the US, but also in other parts of the world. It is violence that is perpetrated against someone in the home. The NFL has been at the center of several scandals that involve domestic violence, but none of the players have been appropriately disciplined. Based on a survey that was conducted by the Center for Disease Control on domestic violence, approximately one-third of the women and men who reside in the United States were victims of domestic violence at the hands of their partners.
The study found that the lasting effects of the abuse and the burdens that the public health system faced were significant, more so for women than men. While this issue is a major focus for many in the society, who aim to seek redress for the victims, the crime of domestic violence has become less reported and even less publicized than it was in previous years. More so when it involves public figures. In spite of these statistics, domestic violence is portrayed as merely a misdemeanor, instead of the ugly blot on the face of humanity that it is.
The story tells that the NFL is the most viable entity in sports in the US. It is a non-profit organization that is armed with the responsibility to stand up for what is good. The commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, has oftentimes misrepresented the current six domestic violence cases that have been reported recently. He has instituted a policy, which stipulates that first time offenders in the league would be banned for six games, while repeat offenders would receive bans for a lifetime. Some of the players who were accused of domestic violence still receive their pay, even though they were de-activated. Others are allowed to play, depending on the outcome of their cases. They were made to attend counseling, pay fines, minimal suspension and other minor acts of restitution. Others are allowed to play with no disciplinary actions brought against them. The tolerance that the NFL shows in their approach to the issue is one that is harmful to the society. The players are looked up to by many people, if the NFL should take a positive stand, then it would send a sign that it is wrong and will not be tolerated by the society.
Works Cited
Breiding, PhD, Matthew J. et al. Prevalence And Characteristics Of Sexual Violence, Stalking, And Intimate Partner Violence Victimization — National Intimate Partner And Sexual Violence Survey, United States, 2011. 8th ed. Atlanta, GA: Center for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2014. Web. 12 Dec. 2014.
Michael Martinez and Priscilla Riojas, CNN. 'NFL's Past Penalties For Domestic Violence 'A Different Story''. CNN. N.p., 2014. Web. 14 Dec. 2014.
