NFL increases penalties for domestic violence; 6 games for 1st offense, lifetime ban for 2nd
As expected, the NFL announced that it plans to increase the penalties for domestic violence in a letter sent by commissioner Roger Goodell to team owners Thursday.
The NFL announced sweeping new measures on domestic violence in a letter to owners today; Six games for 1st offense, lifetime ban for 2nd.
— Jane McManus (@janesports) August 28, 2014
Here's a more detailed look at the new plan, per the official NFL release:
New domestic violence discipline is as follows: pic.twitter.com/rAzavULucu
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) August 28, 2014
The league was soundly criticized when it suspended Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice two games last month.
Commissioner Goodell admitted that the suspension was too lenient.
On Ray Rice discipline: "I didn’t get it right," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell writes to owners.
— Jane McManus (@janesports) August 28, 2014
The new policy will extend beyond just the players to include all NFL personnel.
The NFLPA released a statement in response to the NFL's announcement Thursday afternoon:
We were informed today of the NFL’s decision to increase penalties on domestic violence offenders under the Personal Conduct Policy for all NFL employees. As we do in all disciplinary matters, if we believe that players’ due process rights are infringed upon during the course of discipline, we will assert and defend our members’ rights.