The NFL, and Commissioner Roger Goodell in particular, have been the subject of harsh criticism on the handling of the domestic abuse issue of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice. The two game suspension was deemed extremely lenient.
With the league coming under constant scrutiny, Goodell announced new punishments for domestic violence according to NFL Network’s Albert Breer:
NFL sent a letter to all owners today announcing new standards for domestic violence. First offense: 6 games; Second offense: Lifetime ban.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 28, 2014
These punishments are in stark contrast to what was handed down by Goodell to Rice, and is sure to make many people satisfied that something like this won’t happen again. In a statement, Goodell even admitted that he failed in his Rice ruling:
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.
The fact that the Rice suspension came at the same time as Josh Gordon’s year long suspension for failing a drug test for marijuana made the NFL look even worse that they would crack down on a drug more than violence.
Goodell came in to the NFL Commissioner position known as a disciplinarian. Punishments like these are sure to keep that reputation in place.
