Earlier this week, the NFL announced that it had adopted new behavior standards as it related to domestic violence for football players in the league. Who would have ever thought that would come about? After all the trauma, It seems there is a bit of good that came from Ray Rice slugging his girlfriend in that elevator because it got the public discussion started. I’m happy that the NFL finally got off the dime and did the right thing.
I was amused watching the television commercials as those former and current football players struggled with their “NO MORE” thoughts. Each of those guys that struggled, must have known personally friends or team mates who were beating their wives or girlfriends and kept quiet about it. And now that Ray Rice is caught on tape they are moved to action. What does that say about those guys? I guess we should count our blessings and be happy that something is now happening to address domestic violence.
When you think about it, the rules on the field have been steadily evolving to address violence in the game because the league didn’t want to jeopardize their performers and their product. You couldn’t hit the quarterback in the head, but it was apparently okay to beat your wife away from the game.
It occurred to me that the idea wasn’t just a good idea for the NFL; every organization in the land should be going through a similar internal analysis to make sure they are at least aware of the possible abuses from their members and further that they were willing to take action to correct it.
Professional sports all have image issues they need to protect so it will be interesting to watch how Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League and the NBA respond.
How many times have you heard about abusive police officers, fire fighters or other public figures (let alone a professional athlete) and thought there must be some mechanism in place to put those guys in jail for their crimes? Professional athletes don’t have a corner on the domestic violence market, they are just a bit more visible than a lawyer, a beer truck driver or a realtor.
As a society we must adopt the “NO MORE” mantra to address domestic violence everywhere we find it. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for abusing a girlfriend, a wife or a child.
And, like the NFL we need to determine whether there are other penalties abusers must endure besides jail time. If it’s appropriate that a ball player is prohibited from plying his trade as a penalty, shouldn’t an abusive doctor, lawyer, teacher or realtor have his license suspended or revoked for unprofessional behavior if criminal behavior isn’t enough.
Professional associations, organizations and unions need to examine whether being a member is a right or privilege. Certainly public employees should be held to a high standard.
No Loss for Words
Personal Foul, Blow to the Head
by Steve DanaEarlier this week, the NFL announced that it had adopted new behavior standards as it related to domestic violence for football players in the league. Who would have ever thought that would come about? After all the trauma, It seems there is a bit of good that came from Ray Rice slugging his girlfriend in that elevator because it got the public discussion started. I’m happy that the NFL finally got off the dime and did the right thing.
I was amused watching the television commercials as those former and current football players struggled with their “NO MORE” thoughts. Each of those guys that struggled, must have known personally friends or team mates who were beating their wives or girlfriends and kept quiet about it. And now that Ray Rice is caught on tape they are moved to action. What does that say about those guys? I guess we should count our blessings and be happy that something is now happening to address domestic violence.
When you think about it, the rules on the field have been steadily evolving to address violence in the game because the league didn’t want to jeopardize their performers and their product. You couldn’t hit the quarterback in the head, but it was apparently okay to beat your wife away from the game.
It occurred to me that the idea wasn’t just a good idea for the NFL; every organization in the land should be going through a similar internal analysis to make sure they are at least aware of the possible abuses from their members and further that they were willing to take action to correct it.
Professional sports all have image issues they need to protect so it will be interesting to watch how Major League Baseball, the National Hockey League and the NBA respond.
How many times have you heard about abusive police officers, fire fighters or other public figures (let alone a professional athlete) and thought there must be some mechanism in place to put those guys in jail for their crimes? Professional athletes don’t have a corner on the domestic violence market, they are just a bit more visible than a lawyer, a beer truck driver or a realtor.
As a society we must adopt the “NO MORE” mantra to address domestic violence everywhere we find it. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for abusing a girlfriend, a wife or a child.
And, like the NFL we need to determine whether there are other penalties abusers must endure besides jail time. If it’s appropriate that a ball player is prohibited from plying his trade as a penalty, shouldn’t an abusive doctor, lawyer, teacher or realtor have his license suspended or revoked for unprofessional behavior if criminal behavior isn’t enough.
Professional associations, organizations and unions need to examine whether being a member is a right or privilege. Certainly public employees should be held to a high standard.
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