While the microscope is still on the fallout from Ray Rice, the heat seems to be shifting to Roger Goodell and how he handled the situation from the start.
The NFL commissioner is in full damage-control mode after this week, which saw a new, graphic video leaked that led to the Ravens releasing Rice and the NFL suspending him indefinitely.
Goodell originally issued a two-game suspension in July after seeing the first casino elevator video from the February incident, which did not show Rice punching his now-wife, Janay. The new video did, which on Monday created the firestorm.
Critics are ripping Goodell’s handling of the situation, and Wednesday the National Organization for Women called for his resignation. Here is a part of NOW’s statement:
The only workable solution is for Roger Goodell to resign, and for his successor to appoint an independent investigator with full authority to gather factual data about domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking within the NFL community, and to recommend real and lasting reforms.
The NFL sets the example for college, high school, middle school and even elementary school football programs. And the example it is setting right now is simply unacceptable.
New leadership must come in with a specific charge to transform the culture of violence against women that pervades the NFL.
That’s the only way to restore honor and integrity to the country’s most lucrative and popular pastime.
After issuing the two-game suspension to Rice in July, Goodell faced criticism and changed the NFL’s policy for domestic abuse. A first offense will cost a player a minimum of six games, while a second would lead to a lifetime ban.
Goodell admitted he erred with the original suspension, but now he’s feeling even more heat.