In the last few months, the NFL (National Football League) has been plagued with an epidemic of domestic violence among its players.  This post is not to discuss Commissioner Roger Goodell’s actions – or in-actions – but rather the reluctance of major sponsors to drop their investment in the NFL.

PepsiCo and Anheuser-Busch, the two largest corporate sponsors of the NFL, have decided to “monitor” the situation while the league office looks for the solution.  Large companies are yet to see a negative impact on the league’s business, and, to them, see the NFL as stronger than ever.

Thus arises the ethical issue of these major sponsors profiting off of the NFL’s efforts to correctly discipline these few players and increase funding to psychiatric programs for players and their families.  Is it foolish for the sponsors to back out of a long-term commitment to the NFL because of the faults of 5 players? Yes. When this issue goes away – which it will – those companies would find it more expensive to return to their partnerships with the NFL. However, is retaining sponsorship hurting PepsiCo and Anheuser-Busch’s image and reputation?

No.  The faults of a handful of players, a smaller proportion of NFL players in domestic violence cases than the national average, should not affect sales or reputation.  These companies should continue their sponsorship and support the fight to put an end to domestic violence.

Read the full article at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/09/15/nfl-sponsors-pepsico-anheuser-busch-domestic-violence/15679451/

Follow