NFL to toughen up against domestic violence?

[BLUE 1,026]

Per Rotoworld.com:

The Washington Post reports the NFL is considering toughening up its penalties against players who commit domestic violence, including a potential one-year ban for a second offense.

This is obviously a direct result of the joke of a two-game suspension Ray Rice received for knocking out his then-fiancee in a casino and dragging her out of an elevator over the winter. Per the report, a first offense would mean a 4-6 game suspension and a season-long ban for a second-time offender. The new policy is said to be under consideration at the moment. The NFL clearly realizes it needs to take a harder stance against domestic violence. Aug 13 - 7:22 PM

Source: Washington Post

 

[Bucman 891]

Only because of the public outcry.

[Attyla the Hawk 197]

I'm not in favor of that kind of penalty.

 

I have no issue with these kinds of penalties being enforced for cheating. Obviously that impacts the game and goes beyond the player but also to every opponent they face.

 

Domestic violence is abhorrent. But it's also a crime. And there are mechanisms in place to deal with the social evil aspect of that. If it's a question of whether the laws are too lenient -- then I'd rather we address that aspect of it. Because it goes beyond merely the NFL.

 

A year long ban should really only be reserved for cheating. While the Rice incident certainly falls under the NFL conduct policy -- really we have to remember that is, in essence, a PR policy. It's merely a protect the league's reputation policy.

 

To put into context, the monetary fines for committing a class B felony is usually somewhere between 20-75k depending on state. Class B felonies examples would be:

 

Manslaughter

Assault with a deadly weapon

Aggravated sexual assault

Heroin/cocaine possession with intent to distribute

First degree reckless homicide

Attempt to commit a class A felony (attempted murder)

 

 

To say that a player should pay 10 to 100 times more than someone that commits these crimes is really just ridiculous. Particularly since the penalties sole purpose is for the NFL to look good.

 

I am of the opinion that the protection of the public image of the NFL has really jumped the shark and is spiraling toward the absurd. Rice is going to 'pay' in fines more than someone who negligently kills someone. I don't see the justification for that kind of penalty. I don't see the preservation of any public image worth that kind of penalty.

[KempBolt 498]

I'm not in favor of that kind of penalty.

 

I have no issue with these kinds of penalties being enforced for cheating. Obviously that impacts the game and goes beyond the player but also to every opponent they face.

 

Domestic violence is abhorrent. But it's also a crime. And there are mechanisms in place to deal with the social evil aspect of that. If it's a question of whether the laws are too lenient -- then I'd rather we address that aspect of it. Because it goes beyond merely the NFL.

 

A year long ban should really only be reserved for cheating. While the Rice incident certainly falls under the NFL conduct policy -- really we have to remember that is, in essence, a PR policy. It's merely a protect the league's reputation policy.

 

To put into context, the monetary fines for committing a class B felony is usually somewhere between 20-75k depending on state. Class B felonies examples would be:

 

Manslaughter

Assault with a deadly weapon

Aggravated sexual assault

Heroin/cocaine possession with intent to distribute

First degree reckless homicide

Attempt to commit a class A felony (attempted murder)

 

 

To say that a player should pay 10 to 100 times more than someone that commits these crimes is really just ridiculous. Particularly since the penalties sole purpose is for the NFL to look good.

 

I am of the opinion that the protection of the public image of the NFL has really jumped the shark and is spiraling toward the absurd. Rice is going to 'pay' in fines more than someone who negligently kills someone. I don't see the justification for that kind of penalty. I don't see the preservation of any public image worth that kind of penalty.

But people in other lines of work might also face ancillary consequences from their employers in addition to the legal punishment. A CPA who js found guilty of domestic violence might not be fined, but he might very well get fired, which is a harsher employer given penalty than most fines.

 

In other words, most people will deal with consequences beyond what the state hands down. That's not unique to the NFL.

[Attyla the Hawk 197]

But people in other lines of work might also face ancillary consequences from their employers in addition to the legal punishment. A CPA who js found guilty of domestic violence might not be fined, but he might very well get fired, which is a harsher employer given penalty than most fines.

 

In other words, most people will deal with consequences beyond what the state hands down. That's not unique to the NFL.

 

That's a good point. And I'd agree, we should apply the same standard.

 

The difference obviously being, that a CPA, or even me as a DBA, may well be fired. Generally, we would both be imminently replaceable employees where no extra due consideration would be expected. But let's go one further. If I am fired, I am not precluded from attempting to ply my trade elsewhere. While it may be more difficult to get hired -- if I'm talented enough, I could easily secure employment elsewhere. Despite being fired for a non work related event.

 

Rice -- or any NFL player -- aren't employees of the NFL. They are independent contractors to independent and competing franchises. This isn't simply theory. It's a core element to the anti trust protection that the NFL enjoys. Such a transgression -- to be applied to our general rank and file -- would necessitate our license to work to be revoked. For some professions (Medical/Legal), there is that mechanism in place. But even in those professions, the bar for revoking a license to practice is incredibly steep. And nowhere near the level of 'public relations issue'.

 

Obviously, football players are a much rarer commodity. And it's not simply football players. Other rare talent professions are afforded the same relative immunity. Whether you're a CEO, or the head of a surgical team, or a top litigator at a law firm -- not all professions are created equally. The threat of employee termination is very much relative to how valuable your skill set is. That goes well beyond unique athletes.

 

In the end, I see a huge difference between getting fired and being prohibited from plying your trade. Obviously in the general rank and file that distinction is similarly observed. The threshold for banishment in other professions far exceeds what we're talking about here.

 

If we want to apply the same standard to NFL employees, then the appropriate course would be for the individual NFL club to terminate his contract and allow him to be a UFA immediately. Allowing him to pursue alternative employment within his sphere of competency. That would be the exact same situation as you, me or some CPA getting fired.

[KempBolt 498]

Any player suspended by the NFL is free to go work for a competing league.

[Attyla the Hawk 197]

Any player suspended by the NFL is free to go work for a competing league.

 

That's actually never true.

 

It's part of the 'other activities' limitations put forth in every players' contract. It specifically excludes players from playing football or engaging in football related activities for any other club or league for the life of the contract.

 

This is standard language in NFL contracts. This is in the best interests of each individual club and prevents losing players to injury should they want to play in a foreign/alternative league for extra money. It's why you don't see fringe football players playing in development leagues or other leagues overseas.

 

Here's a copy of one such player contract article to get the gist of the language:

 

 

3. OTHER ACTIVITIES. Without prior written consent of the Club, Player will not play football or engage in activities related to football otherwise than for Club or engage in any activity other than football which may involve a significant risk of personal injury. Player represents that he has special, exceptional and unique knowledge, skill, ability, and experience as a football player, the loss of which cannot be estimated with any certainty and cannot be fairly or adequately compensated by damages. Player therefore agrees that Club will have the right, in addition to any other right which Club may possess, to enjoin Player by appropriate proceedings from playing football or engaging in football-related activities other than for Club or from engaging in any activity other than football which may involve a significant risk of personal injury.

Edited August 14, 2014 by Attyla the Hawk

[KempBolt 498]

Right. Just like how I signed an agreement not to work for another insurance company while I was under the employ of an insurance company. But I could have quit, nullifying the contract, and gone on to another company. Couldn't a suspended NFL player just submit their NFL retirement and go play for another league?

[seanbrock 1,684]

It should at the VERY LEAST carry a harsher punishment than getting popped for smoking weed or something. Ray Rice's punishment was an absolute joke. If you're really concerned about the image and the reputation of the league this needs to happen imo.

[Sarge+ 3,436]

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell admits he was wrong on the Ray Rice decision, and Goodell took an important step Thursday towards showing the league is serious about cracking down on domestic violence as well as sexual assault.

 

In a lengthy letter sent to every NFL owner on Thursday, Goodell announced enhanced policies and discipline under the personal conduct policy that will result in a six-game suspension for a first offense related to domestic violence or sexual assault and an indefinite ban for a second offense committed by any NFL personnel.

 

Goodell drew major criticism since the announcement last month that Rice, the Baltimore Ravens running back, would be suspended just two games for striking his then-fiancee at a New Jersey casino and being caught on camera dragging her unconscious body out of an elevator.

 

"We allowed our standards to fall below where they should be and lost an important opportunity to emphasize our strong stance on a critical issue and the effective programs we have in place," Goodell wrote in the letter to owners.

"My disciplinary decision led the public to question our sincerity, our commitment, and whether we understood the toll that domestic violence inflicts on so many families. I take responsibility both for the decision and for ensuring that our actions in the future properly reflect our values. I didn't get it right. Simply put, we have to do better. And we will."

Goodell's letter also says the league's response to domestic violence or sexual assault "will include new elements of evaluation, treatment and family support, as well as enhanced discipline. We will address these issues fairly and thoughtfully, respecting the rights of all involved and giving proper deference to law enforcement and the courts."

The indefinite ban for a second offense carries a minimum duration of one year before an individual can petition for reinstatement, Goodell wrote, but "there will be no presumption or assurance that the petition will be granted."

Consideration also will be given to mitigating factors such as "a prior incident before joining the NFL, or violence involving a weapon, choking, repeated striking, or when the act is committed against a pregnant woman or in the presence of a child," Goodell wrote.

A person close to the NFL Players Association, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to discuss the subject, told USA TODAY Sports the union was made aware of the change but didn't have to sign off because it falls under the personal conduct policy.

The letter, obtained by USA TODAY Sports, is as follows:

Since becoming Commissioner, my focus has been on ensuring that the NFL is held in the highest regard by our fans, players, business partners, and public authorities. My commitment has always been to do what is right and to protect the integrity of the game, both now and long into the future.

Recently, we have addressed issues of respect­ – respect for co-workers, opponents, fans, game officials, and others. Whether in the context of workplace conduct, advancing policies of diversity and inclusion, or promoting professionalism in all we do, our mission has been to create and sustain model workplaces filled with people of character. Although the NFL is celebrated for what happens on the field, we must be equally vigilant in what we do off the field.

At times, however, and despite our best efforts, we fall short of our goals. We clearly did so in response to a recent incident of domestic violence. We allowed our standards to fall below where they should be and lost an important opportunity to emphasize our strong stance on a critical issue and the effective programs we have in place. My disciplinary decision led the public to question our sincerity, our commitment, and whether we understood the toll that domestic violence inflicts on so many families. I take responsibility both for the decision and for ensuring that our actions in the future properly reflect our values. I didn't get it right. Simply put, we have to do better. And we will.

The public response reinforced my belief that the NFL is held to a higher standard, and properly so. Much of the criticism stemmed from a fundamental recognition that the NFL is a leader, that we do stand for important values, and that we can project those values in ways that have a positive impact beyond professional football. We embrace this role and the responsibility that comes with it. We will listen openly, engage our critics constructively, and seek continuous improvement in everything we do. We will use this opportunity to create a positive outcome by promoting policies of respect for women both within and outside of the workplace. We will work with nationally recognized experts to ensure that the NFL has a model policy on domestic violence and sexual assault. We will invest time and resources in training, programs and services that will become part of our culture. And we will increase the sanctions imposed on NFL personnel who violate our policies.

In the past few weeks, I have reviewed all aspects of our Personal Conduct Policy and met with a wide range of experts (several of whom we have been working with for some time), as well as with the NFLPA and many of you. Those discussions will continue. They have helped us to identify a number of steps that will better communicate our position and strengthen our policies on domestic violence and sexual assault.

These steps are based on a clear, simple principle: domestic violence and sexual assault are wrong. They are illegal. They have no place in the NFL and are unacceptable in any way, under any circumstances. That has been and remains our policy.

Many of you have done excellent work in this field, both personally and through the efforts of concerned players and your community relations and player engagement departments. Our goals are to prevent violence, impose appropriate discipline, provide professional support resources when appropriate, and publicly embrace a leadership role on this issue.

Consistent with that view, I have directed the following actions to reinforce and enhance our policies:

First, we will continue our work with leading experts to expand the scope of our education on domestic violence and sexual assault for all NFL personnel – players and non-players. This will include enhanced training for entering players through the Rookie Symposium and Rookie Success Program, as well as new programs designed for veteran players and other NFL personnel. All NFL personnel – players and non-players – will receive information about available league resources and local support and advocacy groups in their community.

Second, our club Player Engagement Directors, Human Resource Executives, and other appropriate team personnel will undergo comprehensive training to help them understand and identify risk factors associated with domestic violence and sexual assault. Any person identified as being at risk will be afforded private, confidential assistance. Persons who decline this assistance will be held accountable for that decision in determining discipline for any subsequent act of domestic violence or sexual assault. This is a complicated matter and must be approached with care. We will work with experts to identify strategies based on the most reliable research, recognizing that violence can and does take different forms but generally involves a pattern of coercive behavior.

Third, we will ensure that the NFL LifeLine and NFL Total Wellness Program are staffed with personnel trained to provide prompt and confidential assistance to anyone at risk of domestic violence or sexual assault – whether as a victim or potential aggressor. Information regarding these resources will be furnished to all NFL personnel and their families. Our Player Engagement Directors and Human Resource Executives will meet with team spouses and significant others to ensure that they are aware of the resources available to them as NFL family members, including the ability to seek confidential assistance through independent local resources, as well as through the club or the NFL Total Wellness Program. In this respect, we will utilize our existing, established telephone and on-line programs, and will communicate the full range of available services to all NFL personnel and their families.

Fourth, the outside groups we met with have emphasized that the NFL can play an important role in communities throughout the nation. Consistent with that advice, we will expand the educational components in our college, high school and youth football programs that address domestic violence and sexual assault. We will seek to create and promote programs that develop the character of the young men who play, coach or manage our game, emphasizing respect for women and appropriate ways to resolve conflicts. Outreach efforts embodied in these programs will help young people recognize, establish and maintain healthy relationships. In our earliest contact with young men, we can communicate our expectations, establish NFL standards of conduct, and stress the responsibility that all men have to adhere to those standards.

Fifth, we recognize that domestic violence and sexual assault are broad social issues, affecting millions of people. We want our public role to be both constructive and effective. In the coming months, we will explore meaningful ways to incorporate domestic violence and sexual assault awareness and prevention into our public service work. We will do this with the assistance of responsible outside organizations and the potential participation of current and former players, coaches and families who have been affected and are willing to speak out. Actions we take in this respect will be sensitive, thoughtful and will recognize the positive role models and high character presented by so many men in the NFL.

Finally, and consistent with our Personal Conduct Policy, our own response to domestic violence or sexual assault incidents by NFL personnel will include new elements of evaluation, treatment and family support, as well as enhanced discipline. We will address these issues fairly and thoughtfully, respecting the rights of all involved and giving proper deference to law enforcement and the courts. If someone is charged with domestic violence or sexual assault, there will be a mandatory evaluation and, where professionally indicated, counseling or other specialized services.

Effective immediately, violations of the Personal Conduct Policy regarding assault, battery, domestic violence or sexual assault that involve physical force will be subject to a suspension without pay of six games for a first offense, with consideration given to mitigating factors, as well as a longer suspension when circumstances warrant. Among the circumstances that would merit a more severe penalty would be a prior incident before joining the NFL, or violence involving a weapon, choking, repeated striking, or when the act is committed against a pregnant woman or in the presence of a child. A second offense will result in banishment from the NFL; while an individual may petition for reinstatement after one year, there will be no presumption or assurance that the petition will be granted. These disciplinary standards will apply to all NFL personnel.

With very few exceptions, NFL personnel conduct themselves in an exemplary way. But even one case of domestic violence or sexual assault is unacceptable. The reality is that domestic violence and sexual assault are often hidden crimes, ones that are under-reported and under-acknowledged. The steps we are taking will reinforce our commitment to address this issue constructively.

In addition to focusing on domestic violence and sexual assault, we will continue to maintain strong policies regarding weapons offenses. We are similarly working to strengthen our response to impaired driving. We have sought – unsuccessfully – for several years to obtain the NFLPA's agreement to more stringent discipline for DUI, including mandatory deactivation for the game immediately following an arrest and a minimum two-game suspension for a first violation of law. We will continue to press our position on this issue in the hope of securing the union's agreement.

There are three steps that each club should take promptly: first, post and distribute the attached "Memorandum to All NFL Personnel" to every player under contract to your club; second, ensure that your head coach reviews the information in that notice with his staff and with all your players; and third, share this letter and the attached Memorandum with all members of your organization, including your team president, General Manager, Human Resources Executive, Security Director, and Player Engagement Director.

In the coming weeks, we will contact all clubs on further steps to be taken in support of these initiatives. I am grateful for the thoughtful advice received from so many of you and for the support that I know you will give to this important work.

MEMORANDUM TO ALL NFL PERSONNEL

Domestic violence and sexual assault are wrong. They are illegal. They are never acceptable and have no place in the NFL under any circumstances.

Our Personal Conduct Policy has long made clear that domestic violence and sexual assault are unacceptable. We clearly must do a better job of addressing these incidents in the NFL. And we will.

Earlier today, I sent NFL owners a letter that identified specific actions we will take to improve our response to domestic violence and sexual assault. Those actions include the following:

n All NFL Personnel will participate in new and enhanced educational programs on domestic violence and sexual assault. We will also increase our outreach to college and youth football programs.

n Families will receive detailed information about available services and resources, both through the club and independent of the club. These resources and services will be available to employees and their families on a confidential basis.

n Violations of the Personal Conduct Policy regarding assault, battery, domestic violence and sexual assault that involve physical force will be subject to enhanced discipline. A first offense will be subject to a suspension of six weeks without pay. Mitigating circumstances will be considered, and more severe discipline will be imposed if there are aggravating circumstances such as the presence or use of a weapon, choking, repeated striking, or when the act is committed against a pregnant woman or in the presence of a child. A second offense will result in banishment from the league; an offender may petition for reinstatement after one year but there is no assurance that the petition will be granted. These disciplinary consequences apply to all NFL personnel.

* * * * *

If you believe that you or someone you know may be at risk of domestic violence or other misconduct, we strongly encourage you to seek assistance through your club's director of player engagement, human resources department, the NFL LifeLine or an independent local domestic violence resource. Help is available and can prevent potentially tragic incidents.

ROGER GOODELL

COMMISSIONER

 

I know it's pretty long, but what do you guys think about this?

 

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/08/28/nfl-toughens-its-stance-on-domestic-violence/14746187/

Edited August 28, 2014 by Sarge

[seanbrock 1,684]

Good job by the people who spoke up about the Ray Rice suspension because without them this would have never happened. They forced the Commish's hand on this. It's clear this letter isn't sincere based on his decision but at least the policy has been changed. Hopefully this will make players think twice about physically abusing women. I like that they'll also be weighing in factors like if she's pregnant, how bad she was beaten, if a child was present etc.

[theMileHighGuy 656]

Hitting women is worse than substance abuse, even if those substances are helping you outperform your bounds in a 'game'. Domestic violence should then naturally carry a harsher penalty. A $500k fine is a joke to a guy like Ray Rice.

[oochymp 2,393]

I'm interested to see what they will consider an offense and how far the reach is, especially since they listed assault and battery

Edited August 28, 2014 by oochymp

[BwareDWare94 723]

Disclaimer: Please read entire post, playing devil's advocate on a few details

 

Rice deserved a harsher punishment, but I personally believe there's some things about that situation we don't know. There is no excuse to strike a woman, let alone strike a woman with the kind of force it'd take to knock her out cold. However, is it not common knowledge that she spit on him, then struck him first? What else could have happened that we don't know about?

I'm not making excuses for Rice, but it was definitely the kind of domestic violence situation that warranted an investigation. I'm glad the league investigated. I wish the suspension would have been at least 6 games, but aside from the number of games in the suspension, there's no doubt that it was handled correctly.

 

We all might say we will never hit a woman, but here's the cold hard truth--we simply haven't been in situations that could lead to it. And here's the catch 22--how many times do you think Ray Rice had said, "I'll never hit a woman," in his life? We can say it all we want, but until we're thrown into the fire and control our tempers, we simply don't know. We like to think that we do, but until you're drunk, in an elevator, get spit on and then hit by your girlfriend, it's hard to know what you'd do.

 

I hope I'd never hit a woman, but I'll admit that if I got spit on, and then struck--I have no clue what I'd do. None, whatsoever. I don't intend on dating anyone who would do those things to me in the first place, and if I end up in that kind of situation, anyway, I would hope that I could control myself no matter the scenario, but unless you've been spit on or hit, let alone both, by a girlfriend, I find it silly and a little self-righteous to say that there'd be no chance that you'd strike back.

 

I challenge us all, as a mostly male forum, to do some self reflection. I challenge us to do some real thinking, some real observation of our tendencies when it comes to our anger. Do any of us have short fuses? Do we show any signs that what happened to Rice could happen to us?

 

Can we, as huge fans of the greatest sport in the world, forgive an individual like Ray Rice, an individual who, with his fiance and eventual wife, sought treatment and help after this situation occurred? Can we forgive a man (and woman, imo--quite frankly, people shouldn't hit people) who actually took the situation head on and sought the kind of help necessary to making sure it never happened again?

[Dutch 874]

The NFL's penalties are definitely inconsistent and it questions the standards of the ethic principles that they represent. Ray Rice is so lucky this guy isn't the NFL commish.

 

[KempBolt 498]

The NFL's penalties are definitely inconsistent and it questions the standards of the ethic principles that they represent. Ray Rice is so lucky this guy isn't the NFL commish.

 

 

It's not really a fair comparison for other commissioners though. Silver has the distinct advantage of being able to judge each case with precision and perfect objectivity. He applies logic to each situation in a way no human ever could. Yaknow... because he's a Vulcan.

Edited August 30, 2014 by KempBolt

[Dutch 874]

Video of Ray Rice actually hitting his fiancee. This dude is a straight sucka.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/tmz-releases-footage-of-ray-rice-punching-wife-124132772.html

[KempBolt 498]

Ok so this is weird. I'm not saying Rice doesn't deserve to be banned for a year and more, but what about the new policy? Shouldn't this be 6 games?

[theMileHighGuy 656]

Ok so this is weird. I'm not saying Rice doesn't deserve to be banned for a year and more, but what about the new policy? Shouldn't this be 6 games?

 

We brought this up in the Ray Rice thread. They've dug themselves in so deep with this case that I'm not sure they'll be able to go back on the suspension a third time. Another fun thing to think about with the new amendment, since Ray was suspended two games, then suspended again indefinitely, shouldn't he now have a perma-ban in the NFL? That's two strikes

[oochymp 2,393]

Ok so this is weird. I'm not saying Rice doesn't deserve to be banned for a year and more, but what about the new policy? Shouldn't this be 6 games?

they did say exceptions would be made based on circumstances, I guess having the incident caught on tape and shown hourly on ESPN effectively catching the league with their pants down qualifies as such circumstances

[KempBolt 498]

 

We brought this up in the Ray Rice thread. They've dug themselves in so deep with this case that I'm not sure they'll be able to go back on the suspension a third time. Another fun thing to think about with the new amendment, since Ray was suspended two games, then suspended again indefinitely, shouldn't he now have a perma-ban in the NFL? That's two strikes

 

 

they did say exceptions would be made based on circumstances, I guess having the incident caught on tape and shown hourly on ESPN effectively catching the league with their pants down qualifies as such circumstances

 

I'm sure I'm not the first to say this, but this new rule was clearly more of a PR move than an actual policy.

[Glanvilles Grits 142]

 

 

 

I'm sure I'm not the first to say this, but this new rule was clearly more of a PR move than an actual policy.

 

And this is a huge problem for the NFL incoming. Their showing themselves to be followers as opposed to leaders. That's not good for the sport, and it's not good for the owners/Goodell.

 

I touched on it in the Ray Rice thread a little bit. The more the NFL caves into the public opinion, the closer they will get to a downward spiral.