Domestic violence makes for negative publicity, a bad business scheme. With video footage of Ray Rice beating his wife Janay Rice, the National Football League is put into a predicament. Do they keep such a player, or, do they make a statement on the organizations tolerance of criminal acts? Back in February with strong allegations of physical abuse, Rice received a 2 game suspension. Suddenly, with new video evidence, Rice’s contract is terminated. What changed for the NFL? With their perception at stake, their tolerance levels are lowered. The NFL needs to sell its products; they need views. But, with the viral video footage, Ray Rice crosses a line the NFL is no longer comfortable with. The evidence is undeniable and effecting sales. He represents abuse and assault against women, negative publicity. Because of this, Rice lost his use to the NFL. If the NFL was concerned about ethics, players facing criminal charges would not be allowed to take part in such a sport. There would be strong polices, and a standard conduct leaving no room for contradiction. The NFL didn’t show proper ethics in February and now they must try to compensate for the damage they caused because of their poor judgment.   Does the NFL tolerate criminals? This decision shows an industry worth billions of dollars employs criminals. That is until, “the incident,” becomes a public spectacle. The current video damages the business side of things now- not just Rice but the almighty NFL brand.

Belson, Ken. “N.F.L. Continues to Face Questions Over Video of Ray Rice.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 9 Sept. 2014. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/10/sports/football/ray-rices-wife-defends-him-and-criticizes-the-media.html?hpw&rref=sports&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=HpHedThumbWell&module=well-region&region=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=1>.

Friedman, Ann. “The NFL’s Disgusting Message to Abused Women.” The Cut. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/09/nfls-disgusting-message-to-abused-women.html>.

Lawless, Gary. “Videotape, not ethics, killed the football star’s career.” – Winnipeg Free Press. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. <http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/videotape-not-ethics-killed-the-football-stars-career-274574921.html>.