NFL adopts tougher domestic violence policy

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has admitted he was wrong for suspending Baltimore running back Ray Rice for only the first two games of the season. The suspension came after Rice assaulted his then fiancé, Janay Palmer, back in February, in Atlantic City, NJ. The running back for the Baltimore Ravens pleaded not guilty to third degree aggravated assault in May after Rice was seen on surveillance footage carrying his unconscious fiancé out of an elevator of an Atlantic City Casino. The running back settled and paid a fine to avoid jail time. Resounding criticism from the public over weak disciplinary measures taken against Rice have propelled the NFL to implement increased sanctions for domestic violence or sexual assault offenders. Goodell has a history of imposing long suspensions for drug violations, and many fans and critics argue Rice’s punishment was too mild. For instance, Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl wide receiver Josh Gordon was recently suspended for the entire season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. In a letter sent to all NFL owners, Goodell announced a tougher domestic violence policy under the personal conduct policy for any NFL personnel charged with an offense of domestic violence or sexual assault. Under this new policy, a first offense will result in six-game suspension and an indefinite ban for a second offense. Meanwhile, after just 3 days after the announcement of this new policy, it appears that the NFL’s new policy will be tested with the arrest of San Francisco 49ers defensive end Ray McDonald for a felony domestic violence charge.