NFL Gets It Right On Domestic Violence

By Mitch Chortkoff

Sports Editor

It’s very unusual for the commissioner of a professional sports league to admit he failed in making a major decision.

But National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell did exactly that last week.

“I didn’t get it right,” he admitted in reference to a mere two-game suspension for Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice in a domestic violence case.

Obviously, Goodell was surprised by the harsh criticism he and the NFL received after Rice’s light sentence was announced.

He certainly didn’t get it right but give him credit for admitting his mistake.

After more than a month of reflection the NFL announced a new policy – a six-game suspension for a first offense and a lifetime ban for a second one.

These penalties will apply to all NFL personnel, not just players.

Rice had struck his fiancée at the time and said this week he’ll carry the burden for the rest of his life.

This is a serious matter and Goodell was far off base for not recognizing that from the start.

Now, as the new policy is implemented Rice won’t be punished further than his two games. The new rules are not retroactive. Penalties handed out for previous violations will stand instead of being upgraded.

Goodell was out of touch. He should have realized the NFL is a highly visible entity that must take a leadership role, especially in a case as serious as domestic violence.

Journalists around the country commented about the number of complaints heard when Rice’s light sentence was announced and the degree of anger in the reaction.

Goodell sent a letter to all NFL personnel last week after realizing his original stand caused the public to believe the NFL didn’t grasp the seriousness of domestic violence.

In the last month Goodell and his staff contacted groups who did understand how serious domestic violence is and he then took action.

Goodell had defended his original decision but now he says, “Simply, we have to do better.”

Better late than never? Perhaps, but it’s still a step in the right direction.