[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              DOMESTIC VIOLENCE--THE NFL IS OUT OF BOUNDS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 29, 2014

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, abuse is never okay. It can never be 
justified, defended or explained. However, the message that the NFL 
sent last week says otherwise.
  Recently, a video emerged of Baltimore Ravens' running back, Ray 
Rice, dragging his unconscious then-fiancee out of an elevator after 
allegedly punching her in the face several times.
  Rice was charged with third-degree aggravated assault. However, 
prosecutors later dropped the charge after a plea deal was reached. But 
what is equally as troubling and disturbing is how the NFL chose to 
handle the situation.
  The league suspended Rice for two games. This pathetic punishment is 
just a mere slap on the wrist. The NFL has issued harsher punishments 
for ``offenses'' such as eating unapproved foods or taking fertility 
drugs without approval.
  For better or for worse, our society idolizes its athletes. In 2013, 
over 108 million Americans watched Rice help the Ravens win the Super 
Bowl. Thousands of young Americans wore Rice's jersey with pride. After 
this decision, would a high school athlete think twice before pushing 
around his girlfriend? Would the abused girlfriend even bother to come 
forward?
  Sadly, the NFL seems to be more concerned with protecting its image 
than taking a stand and sending a strong message that violence against 
women will not be tolerated.
  Ravens' head coach, John Harbaugh, called the attack, a ``mistake.''
  Mr. Speaker, a mistake implies an accident. Punching your fiancee 
until she becomes unconscious is no accident nor should it be treated 
that way.
  Our society has come a long way; domestic violence was once seen as a 
``family issue,'' not spoken of outside of the home. We have made some 
progress, but the NFL's actions show we still have a long way to go.
  Those who commit violence against women--yes, even star football 
players--cannot get away with it. With the NFL's decision, another one 
just did. Abuse is never okay.
  NFL greed, stardom and fame scores points over justice.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________