NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the NFL will be issuing tougher penalties for players who are accused of domestic violence. The sanction will now include six weeks for a first offense and at least a year for a second.
Goodell acknowledged that he had it wrong when suspended Ravens running back Ray Rice for only two game after his domestic violence case. Now, the commissioner sent out a letter to all 32 team owners last Thursday containing the sanction changes.
Goodell wrote "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 told the team to inform all their players about the new memo and post it in the walls of their locker room. It says "Domestic violence and sexual assault are wrong. They are illegal. They are never acceptable and have no place in the NFL under any circumstances. Regarding assault, battery, domestic violence and sexual assault that involve physical force will be subject to enhanced discipline"
The NFL Players Association said it had been informed of the increased punishments.
The Union released their own statement regarding the memo saying "As we do in all disciplinary matters, if we believe that players' due process rights are infringed upon during the course of discipline, we will assert and defend our members' rights."
On the other hand, Esta Soler, chief executive of the advocacy group ''Futures Without Violence'' is happy of the decision made by Goodell saying "We particularly applaud your decision to impose tougher penalties, and to give serious consideration to circumstances that may warrant even harsher consequences."
Goodell realized that the issue will not be resolved overnight and he promised to give more training and education for staff and players. He added "'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."
