[projekktor id=’14915′]
Football is a game of aggression and violence. And most of the men who play it — limit that violence to the playing field. But not always. That ugly truth was brought to light in shocking fashion today — as new video was released showing Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice — viciously assaulting the woman who is now his wife. The images are disturbing — and they’ve raise questions — and sharp criticism about how the NFL has handled the issue since it first surfaced, two months ago.
He’s been known for taking the hits — and shaking them off. But it’s the hit that Ray Rice delivered, that will likely stick to him for the rest of his life.
Initially suspended for two games for a domestic violence incident involving his wife — a penalty that many called a slap on the wrist — Rice is now feeling the full weight of public fury over this video: A shocking, one punch knock-out — that now has Rice reeling.
Dropped by his Baltimore Ravens team, and suspended indefinitely by the NFL. But this domestic violence expert believes the league got it wrong — twice.
Clare Freeman: “I think the NFL did a poor response to begin with. And what they’re doing now is almost the extreme opposite.”
Clare Freeman is the Executive Director of Interval House; a shelter for women in domestic crisis. Freeman believes two games was too little — but indefinite banishment, is no better: “He was suspended for two games but there was no mandatory. He really needed to seek counselling. And that they’d be a report back that he’s actually changing. We really have to have a greater dialogue about this issue. And even in the indefinite suspension, we’re not actually asking him to seek treatment.”
Freeman says that in many cases, a drastic loss of income for the abuser through suspension or termination can fuel greater tension, and volatility at home. Each case is unique, and needs to be considered independently: “And then I think there needs to be a broader perspective in sports in general around violence.”
One professional team that is leading the way — says Freeman — is the CFL’s B.C. Lions.
Their program of player testimonials, online videos, and community outreach programs centred on ending domestic violence — earns strong praise from Freeman — as well as a suggestion, for the league that got it wrong — twice: “And it really is a program that should be implemented everywhere in Canada. And certainly the NFL should take the lead from the CFL on this matter.”
As Clare Freeman pointed out — the most obvious course of action for the NFL has been all but ignored so far — and that is getting treatment for Ray Rice — and every other player that is guilty of domestic violence. Taking away his paycheck hurts Rice of course, but it can also hurt his family.
Working on a holistic program to change attitudes, and help everyone involved, as the program in B.C. is doing, might actually be the best answer to date to the ugly problem of domestic violence.
