One of the country’s largest feminist groups has called for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to resign.
The National Organization for Women says the NFL has “a violence-against-women problem” and “the only way to restore honor and integrity to the country’s most lucrative and popular pastime” is for Goodell to step down.
NOW says the league should appoint an independent investigator to look into violence against women, sexual assault and stalking.
The demand was made before it was reported Wednesday afternoon that a law enforcement officials says he sent a copy of a surveillance video Ray Rice striking his then-fiancée to the NFL three months ago.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says the league appreciates the concern and it has “already initiated steps with the help of outside experts to strengthen our policies and programs on domestic violence and sexual assault.”
The NFL has been questioned for its handling of Baltimore Ravens running back, who was suspended two games by the league in July for punching his fiancée, then released by his team and suspended indefinitely Monday only after video of the attack was made public.
Goodell has said the league asked for video of the attack during its investigation but was unable to get it.
According to tax returns, Goodell made more than $44 million in 2012 and the league’s revenues approached $10 billion.
Photo via William Perlman/USA TODAY Sports Images
