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Normally when it comes to punishment, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is known to drop the hammer on players. However, today when he announced Ravens running back Ray Rice would only receive a two game suspension after video surfaced of him dragging his unconscious fiancé out of an elevator. To put that into perspective, Colts defensive end Robert Mathis was suspended four games for taking banned fertility drugs to have another child with his wife and Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon is facing a year suspension for failing a drug test.
Rice was arrested after he and his now wife Janay got into a public altercation which resulted in her being knocked out cold. The two held a bizarre press conference in which they tried to show a united front with Janay apologized for her role in the incident. Rice will never have to serve a day in jail for knocking the woman he says he loves unconscious and now he will only be forced to sit out for two games this season. That is all the punishment he will ever face for such a disturbing act.
It is a disgrace that Roger Goodell did not take a stance against domestic violence and make an example of Rice. This league has taken a stance against drug use, but fails to do the same when it comes to violence against women. While people want to use the excuse, “well she married him” that does not change the cruelty of his actions. It is disturbing that the NFL would not make an example of Rice that domestic violence will not be tolerated by any means. Here is Goodell’s press release explaining his decision:
“As you acknowledged during our meeting, your conduct was unquestionably inconsistent with league polices and the standard of behavior required of everyone who is part of the NFL. The league is an entity that depends on integrity and in the confidence of the public and we simply cannot tolerate conduct that endangers others or reflects negatively on our game. This is particularly true with respect to domestic violence and other forms of violence against women.
“You will be expected to continue to take advantage of the counseling and other professional services you identified during our meeting. As you noted, this additional assistance has been of significant benefit to you and your wife, and it should remain a part of your practice as appropriate.
“I believe that you are sincere in your desire to learn from this matter and move forward toward a healthy relationship and successful career. I am now focused on your actions and expect you to demonstrate by those actions that you are prepared to fulfill those expectations.”
