This article is a follow-up to my earlier opinion on Ray Rice’s two-game suspension and the issue of domestic violence punishments in the NFL.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recognized his mistake and implemented a new domestic violence policy. The first offense stands as an immediate six-game suspension without pay, the second offense is a lifetime ban from the NFL. Ray Rice’s two-game suspension was too brief, and this time, Goodell made the right decision.

Ever since my last article, Ray Rice was released by the Ravens and suspended indefinitely by the NFL.

In wake of the new policy, many other cases of domestic violence are being exposed. Believe it or not, this helps the NFL in the long run. Players are held out of games by their respective teams, and are also suspended by the league. This policy and emphasis on the issue of domestic violence will help turn the page, and create a new image in the NFL. All the horrible news seems devastating currently, but when all blows over, this policy will remain the cornerstone of a better league.

“I didn’t get it right. Our personal conduct policy has long made clear that domestic violence and sexual assault are unacceptable. We clearly must do a better job of addressing these incidents in the NFL. And we will,” Goodell wrote in a letter to the owners regarding the new policy.

Goodell admitted his wrong-doings, and put a plan into action that will build toward eliminating domestic violence in the NFL. By harshening the punishment, players will recognize the severity of their actions and think about the life-changing consequences that follow a domestic violence offense.

However, Goodell scrutinization continues. Many analysts and former players are calling for him to step down.

North Cobb students shared a similar reaction when hearing about the new policy.

“If you commit domestic violence, that’s on your part,” senior Alex Sanchez says. “If you love playing the sport, you shouldn’t even think about doing domestic violence, it makes no sense.”

Junior Austin Birchell approves of Goodell’s new protocol: “I support it, because it teaches athletes to be on better behavior.”
Commissioner Goodell finally opened his eyes and drastically changed the face of the NFL. He resolved an issue that plagued the league for years. Domestic violence is on it’s way out the door in the NFL.