By Art Suberbielle

Recently we’ve heard about several cases of domestic violence involving well-known NFL players. Sadly, at first those in a position to make a statement about this type of behavior being unacceptable did not act appropriately.

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A video showing Baltimore Ravens star running back Ray Rice dragging his then-fiancée out of an elevator surfaced. And, by the way, she was unconscious as a result of Rice knocking her out. As horrifying as the scene was, the response by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was ridiculous. He suspended Rice for the first two regular season games under the NFL’s personal conduct policy. This little slap on the hand was greeted by a public outcry that finally brought enough pressure to bear on Goodell that he suspended Rice indefinitely.

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Then news of Adrian Peterson’s beating of his 4-year old son hits the street. According to reports, Peterson beat the child with a branch. But it was so severe that bruises and cuts are clearly evident on photos. Peterson has been charged in Texas where the incident occurred with child abuse. His team, the Minnesota Vikings, has placed Peterson on leave until his legal issues are settled. We’re still awaiting an official action from the NFL’s Goodell.

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The NFL must take a long, hard look at its own personal conduct policy. These two highly-publicized examples bring to light a growing problem across our country: domestic violence. What’s more troubling is that when high-profile stars are involved, how much impact does that have on the mindset of young minds who admire these players? What will the next generation’s view be of domestic violence?

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When well-known public figures, including NFL players, commit violent acts such as those mentioned above, there must be significant consequences for their action. Banishment from their NFL career seems appropriate.