It is football season and Sunday night game-viewing, tailgating, and team rivalries among families has re-entered the daily lives of avid football fans across the nation. While such events have re-gained their spotlight in the media, a darker topic buzzing within the NFL has also come under the scrutiny of the public. The important issue has gained so much attention that the actions of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, captured on video, can be described as the “shot heard around the nation.”
Domestic violence.
Confrontations between famous individuals, such as the infamous case of singers Rhianna and Chris Brown, have caused domestic violence and abuse to become hot topics in the media. However, for the first time in recent years this topic in the NFL is being intensely discussed. The abundance of tolerated abuse in the NFL was finally pushed into the sharp, unforgiving stare of the public eye.
With the flurry of news coverage following recent developments in the NFL regarding domestic violence, it is debated whether the issue is sensationalized or is truly an epidemic in the league. “I think it is a terrible thing that those players had to do that and the media is not blowing this out of proportion at all; it is exactly what it is and it needs to stop,” junior offensive tackle Andrew Blanton said.
While it is not universally agreed upon that violent behavior is a budding issue among professional football players, leniency is prevalent in domestic violence and abuse cases of players. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najeh Davenport and linebacker James Harrison– the list of players who received some degree of tolerance from the league regarding their cases stretches as wide as a football field.
Established Aug. 18, a new policy was implemented shortly after the Rice video controversy addressing the punishment of players involved in violent crimes. Violators of the new policy would be banned from six games. A lifetime ban by the league would be enforced for a second violation. Funding for the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center is also being provided by the NFL. Beginning this month, education programs on domestic violence and sexual assault will be authorized in the league. While the recent slew of domestic violence awareness and preventative measures by the NFL is needed in the league, it seems as a form of damage control considering the public’s recent backlash.
Earlier measures taken to eradicate hostile behavior in professional football players could prove more effective. Children and teens are influenced by their surroundings; one’s attitude and personality can be transformed by a defining moment or person. If professional players who commit such crimes received official education and awareness of domestic abuse before the fame and fortune, then (most likely) they would be less inclined to perform harmful acts.
When does a football player’s career truly begin? Before the media and money come into play?
High school, the years of a teen’s life where career paths are seriously considered, is where players build their road to the NFL as universities direct their careful radar on potential stars. High school is where one can be molded by their experiences and environment. “…Their [players’] high school experience definitely could influence what happens later on in life,” said Jack Bly, player for the Wolves freshmen football team.
Domestic abuse education and awareness should be mandated in high schools across the nation.
Not all professional football players exhibit violent behavior. However, high school teams should inform teen players about this pressing issue. “Yeah, I think that they should start educating on it now– just start early and get everyone the right mindset so that [it] never happens again,” Bly stated.
The NFL’s recent stance against domestic violence and abuse, by enforcing new policies and funding, whether it be due to public image or not, is a monumental step away from the league’s notoriously lenient responses to such cases. But by reaching out to young football players, they would learn early in their careers that what happens on the field, should stay on the field.