Week of Disappointment

This past week kicked of what has been one of the worst weeks for the NFL. Many of the tops stories have involved top players and issues of abuse or domestic violence. Ray Rice suspend indefinitely for punching his wife, Ray McDonald arrested with suspicion of domestic violence, Adrian Peterson deactivated for going over board while punishing his 4 year old son; now facing child abuse charges. Meanwhile Greg Hardy is scheduled to play today for Panthers against the Lions while he is in the process of appealing his previous felony domestic assault conviction.

Check out this video of how some fans feel about this issue of domestic violence and the NFL, Time for Change.

With so many stories circulating about the NFL, the commissioner, and its troubled players, it shows just how unprepared and nonchalant the NFL truly is. From a PR perspective it is clear that they do not have the policies and will power to properly punish or handle players regarding abuse. It seems that the heat of the moment has caused them to act irrationally simply to please fans. Many questions come to mind for the NFL and the commissioner, the prime question being: why can't the league properly deal with their players actions?

Fans view these players as role models and idols. They believe that all players, despite what accomplishments they may bring to the team, should be punished for their actions. With them having such a high celebrity status, I agree. They are where the example begins. People need to see that no matter what, abuse of any sort can not be swept under the rug. I think the NFL needs to sit down with its owners, understand their role for these players, and create some policies and punishments for their actions. Not punishments that are excessive or only please certain people, but punishments that teach the players a lesson while helping them respect the game and respect their role as a representation of their team. By doing such they will be able to create a better image for themselves and the league as a whole. Their actions now are just causing more and more of a bad look for themselves while making them look scared and irrational. It's as if this first week of football turmoil has knocked them off their high horse temporarily. Finally people and authority figures question the league, searching for answers to, when will enough be enough?

Public Opinion Hurting NFL?