Adrian Peterson, running back for the Minnesota Vikings, has been suspended for the whole season without pay after being charged with abuse. It has been alleged that he abused his son.
Earlier this year, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell received a lot of criticism for not taking proper action in cases in which NFL players were accused of abuse.
Many expressed anger at Goodell’s neglect of the victims and his lack of action.
However, with Peterson’s charges, Goodell has appeared to finally step up and take appropriate ?action.
Peterson will not be allowed to play for the rest of this football season.
This might not appear to be a big loss for him, but Peterson reportedly made about $11 million in the prior season.
This season he will receive no money from the NFL.
Not only did Goodell officially suspend Peterson for the next year, but he also put conditions on Peterson’s return to the NFL.
Peterson will not be able to simply waltz back onto the field after sitting at home for a year.
He will be required to complete a counseling and rehabilitation program in order to be considered for another season.
Goodell made it clear that the completion of this program is needed for the safety of the victim.
This shows Goodell is not only concerned about the players and how well the teams will perform.
This shows Goodell is actually concerned about the victims.
The counseling and rehabilitation is also important for the alleged abuser.
Although it is unfair, abusers will continue to live in our society.
They are required to work in order to make a living, just like the rest of us.
While this does not discount the damage done to the victim, it is important that we provide abusers with counseling in order to help them control their anger and take more ?responsibility for their ?actions.
Simply suspending a player who has been charged with abuse is not enough.
It is important to provide guidance for improving their future behavior.
Goodell recognized this and put it into action.
For this, I applaud him.
eshrack@indiana.edu
