The White House tells the NFL to 'get a handle' on its domestic violence problem


With three players under fire for domestic abuse issues within the last week — not to mention two revised punishments, many mea culpas, and, oh yeah, Ray Rice — it's safe to say the NFL has a domestic violence problem. The problem is so big that in the midst of a maybe-war in the Middle East and other crises around the world, the White House still found time to chastise America's most popular sports league in light of its off-the-field turmoil.
In a statement made by a senior administration official Thursday, the White House told the NFL to "get a handle" on its violent players, urging the league to adopt a "zero tolerance" policy on domestic abuse issues. The official continued:
The NFL has an obligation not only to their fans but to the American people to properly discipline anyone involved in domestic violence or child abuse and more broadly, gain control of the situation. [...] Many of these professional athletes are marketed as role models to young people and so their behavior does have the potential to influence these young people, and [that's] one of the many reasons it's important that the league get a handle on this and have a zero tolerance. [CBS News]
This isn't the first time the Obama administration has weighed in on the NFL's violence issues. After the Baltimore Ravens cut Ray Rice two weeks ago, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest released a statement on behalf of President Obama, stating: "The president is the father of two daughters. And like any American, he believes that domestic violence is contemptible and unacceptable in a civilized society."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Kimberly Alters is the news editor at TheWeek.com. She is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.
-
4 tips to get a lower credit card APR
the explainer Don't let your card's annual percentage rate balloon your balance
-
The Genius Myth: a 'fresh and unpretentious' book from Helen Lewis
The Week Recommends This 'angry, witty book' by Helen Lewis is a valuable critique of the 'flattering fiction' of genius
-
'We know these services are needed'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Thunder beat Pacers to clinch NBA Finals
Speed Read Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals
-
Why is the NFL considering banning the 'tush push' play?
Today's Big Question The play is widely used by the Philadelphia Eagles, to other teams' chagrin
-
MLB lifts ban on Pete Rose, other dead players
speed read 16 deceased players banned for gambling and other scandals can now be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame
-
Canada beats US in charged 4 Nations hockey final
Speed Read 'You can't take our country — and you can't take our game,' Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted after the game
-
Eagles trounce Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX
speed read The Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22
-
Indian teen is youngest world chess champion
Speed Read Gukesh Dommaraju, 18, unseated China's Ding Liren
-
Europe roiled by attacks on Israeli soccer fans
Speed Read Israeli fans supporting the Maccabi Tel Aviv team clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters in 'antisemitic attacks,' Dutch authorities said
-
New York wins WNBA title, nearly nabs World Series
Speed Read The Yankees with face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the upcoming Fall Classic