Ray Rice’s two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy caused a great deal of controversy.
Many believed Rice’s suspension was too short, given what occurred. The Baltimore Ravens running back allegedly struck his then-fiancee in a casino elevator in Atlantic City, N.J., knocking her unconscious. Rice was indicted on a third-degree assault charge.
After facing much criticism for Rice’s suspension, the NFL now is considering stricter penalties for players involved in future domestic violence cases, Mark Maske of The Washington Post reported Wednesday, citing “multiple people familiar with the league’s recent deliberations.”
The new policy being discussed could suspend first-time violators for four to six games without pay, and a season-long suspension could be handed to second-time offenders.
Specifically, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has faced heavy criticism for the Rice suspension ruling. Many media members have called Rice’s suspension inadequate, saying it sends the wrong message about the league’s views on domestic violence.
“We need to have stricter penalties,” one source with knowledge of the league’s deliberations on the matter told The Post. “I think you will see that. I believe the commissioner and others would like to see stricter penalties. We need to be more vigilant.”
Goodell defended his decision at the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio, two weeks ago, saying discipline “has to be consistent with other cases.”
Rice will lose about $529,000 in pay during his two-game suspension.
