By Kiran Damodaran ’17, Section Editor

This time about a year ago, Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, pledged, “I will get it right.” (Goodell on Domestic Abuse) Having dealt with the bad publicity arising from a string of mishandled domestic violence cases, it seemed that Goodell and the league were finally primed for change. When asked about the NFL’s domestic violence policy moving forward, he stated, “we strongly, strongly condemn and will punish behavior that is totally unacceptable.” (Goodell on Domestic Abuse)

Today, I, along with many other concerned fans, would like to ask Goodell, does he still stand by that statement? Did he ever stand by that statement? The sports community, and much of the population outside of it as well, was ready to give the NFL a second chance to prove they could change. The NFL implemented a new “zero tolerance policy” against domestic abuse, added three experts on domestic violence as senior advisers, and promised a destruction of the culture of violence that existed within the league. Finally, they launched numerous campaigns against domestic violence, partnered with the brand “No More,” and made large donations to organizations dedicated to helping victims of domestic abuse.

However, the NFL failed their first test. In their first opportunity to prove that their words and money would translate into action against offenders, the NFL faltered; they gave Greg Hardy, a young defensive star, just a four game suspension for his horrific domestic violence incident. Nicole Holder, Hardy’s former girlfriend and alleged victim of the abuse, recounted the experience and presented her version of events. On May 12, 2014, Holder says, she and Hardy returned to his apartment after a long night of drinking. In a rage, Hardy called her a slut, accused her of ruining their relationship, and when she stood up and attempted to leave, pushed her. She tried to fight back, but Hardy, a 6’4’’, 280-pound lineman, overpowered her and proceeded to throw her against a wall, causing her to fall into the bathtub. After picking her up by the hair and throwing her onto a bed filled with guns, he threatened, “I should kill you.” Not only was this incident gruesome, but according to Holder, it also was not the first time Hardy had gotten violent with her; she hadn’t reported these incidents because she always felt, “nothing [was] going to happen to him anyway.” (Deadspin on Hardy’s Case)

Despite initially being convicted in July of 2014 of misdemeanors of assault on a female and communicating threats, the charges were overturned on appeal because “the accuser in the case [Holder] couldn’t be found.” (USA Today on Hardy’s Case) The two allegedly settled a “civil suit;” in other words Hardy paid her off. After conducting a two month long investigation into the incident, the NFL ultimately gave him a 10 game suspension in April of 2015. However, in July of the same year, the suspension was reduced to a measly four games, because, according to Goodell’s handpicked arbitrator, 10 games was “simply too much.” (NFL on Hardy’s Case) Despite the gruesome evidence mounting against Hardy, including photos detailing Holder’s injuries, the NFL did not feel a more significant punishment was necessary.

Whether they doubted that the incident occurred the way Holder said it did (despite overwhelming supporting evidence), or simply felt that a four game suspension was an appropriate punishment for the crime, the decision raises a few questions. Many have begun to doubt whether the NFL’s commitment to fighting domestic violence is genuine; were the NFL’s “No More” campaign, countless donations, and seeming resolve to flush domestic violence out of the league simply paper measures designed to cast a positive light on the league? Was it all for show? With evidence of the severity of the incident in hand via the photos, many find the reduction of the suspension inexplicable. Is a four game suspension what the NFL calls “zero tolerance”?

Among the Newark Academy community, the disappointment with and anger towards the NFL’s lack of action is evident. Aman Patil, ’17, an avid football fan, commented, “I don’t believe the NFL has changed in terms of domestic violence. The NFL has no uniform policy and as a result, their punishments lack consistency.” Olivia Cubbage, ’17, also added, “No one should be above the law, especially when people’s lives are at risk. It doesn’t matter how wealthy or famous you are.”

While Hardy’s four game suspension is an increase from the two game suspension Ray Rice received after his domestic violence dispute last year, the punishment does not fit the crime in the eyes of some fans expecting greater change. There continues to be a lack of consistency in punishment, as just a few weeks ago, the league announced that it would not discipline Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, who was allegedly involved in a domestic violence incident with his girlfriend in October. In defense of the league, some may argue that since his girlfriend never filed criminal charges, the NFL did not possess sufficient evidence to punish him and that a similar principle applies in Hardy’s case. This argument, however, does not alleviate the concern of many who are disappointed with the Cowboys’ decision to sign Greg Hardy to a megadeal this past offseason, despite his history of domestic violence; the decision demonstrated to many frustrated onlookers that teams still care far more about talent than they do about eradicating domestic violence from the league. More than just an issue of policy, this is an issue of attitude. Real change cannot happen unless everyone involved is completely committed to creating it, even if that requires making sacrifices. Unless the NFL, as a whole, changes its attitude, domestic violence will continue to cripple the league.