Football Injuries And The Domestic Abuse Connection
By Giselle Arechiga, January 10th 2025
The NFL has faced many issues with players that have been involved in domestic abuse cases. Since 2000, more than 134 players have been arrested for domestic violence, making it the most common criminal charge among them.
One study of American Football found that upset losses and defeats has a corralled 10% increase in at-home domestic violence against their wives/girlfriends.
You can't help but wonder if possibly head injuries are associated with this horrifying act. Signs of aggression and lack of impulse control are common symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. This brain injury has severely damaged over 30 deceased NFL players.
On the 15th of February 2014, former Baltimore Ravens running back, Ray Rice and his then fiancée Janay Palmer were arrested for assault. The Atlantic City Police Department stated at the time that both parties were involved in a physical fight. Rice stated he had hit Palmer and caused her to lose consciousness.
Rice was then charged with third-degree aggravated assault but avoided trail by agreeing to a pre-trail intervention program. The program involved a guilty plea and no conviction upon successful completion of the program. Soon after, footage was released showing Rice dragging his semi-conscious wife from an elevator in the Revel Hotel and Casino. Following, Rice was released by the Ravens and suspended indefinitely by the NFL.
Another case, August 13, 2024, just three days after his first NFL appearance, Micheal Hall Jr was arrested after holding his fiancée at gun point and threatening to kill her. The Cleveland Browns player initially plead not guilty to the domestic violence charged but an opened an investigation was filed the next day. Hall played for the Browns in the remaining two preseason games before the NFL announced he would be placed on the commissioners exempt list. On October 1st he was suspended for five games without pay.
The NFL states domestic violence is to be unacceptable in all circumstances and has adopted new penalties for violations. The NFL is rightly focused on the conduct of its players but what about the wives and girlfriends of these players.
Women groups around the country including many wives and girlfriends of NFL players are seeking a voice in the discussion, raising concerns about the survivors of these domestic violence cases.
The NFL is also looking for better ways to address these cases and the needs of the victims. Many victims of domestic abuse often feel confusion and fear which can lead to depression and suicidal tendencies. The league should encourage victims to report their experiences while making sure they are safe while doing it
