NFL bans players with domestic violence, sexual assault convictions from scouting combine

Last week, the executive vice president of football operations of the NFL released a statement that the National Football League would no longer allow players with convictions for domestic violence, sexual assault or weapons offenses to participate and attend the annual scouting skills combine.

The combine is the primary opportunity for post-college athletes looking to play at the next level to showcase their abilities on the football field.  Further statements indicated that all invitees would have to submit a background check and that any misdemeanor or felony would bar said athlete from any league-related events, including the glamorized and highly-touted NFL Draft.

This new rule has been established due to the continuous problems the NFL has been dealing with with its players engaging in unruly behavior, especially cases of domestic violence and sexual assault (Ray Rice and 43 other NFL players in the last few years).  It is interesting and troubling to note that the case of Jameis Winston (one that we will be covering in class soon) would still have been able to participate in the combine because he was never officially convicted, despite allegations and a civil suit at Florida State University.  However, Frank Clark, a player familiar to us because Michigan is his alma mater, would have been barred because of his conviction of domestic violence last year.  It is encouraging that our university was responsible in charging Frank Clark despite his fame and status as a high-profile athlete.

I am curious what people in class think about this new rule the NFL put in place.  Is the National Football League seriously concerned and worried for the lives of players' partners, girlfriends, or wives?  Or, is it simply damage control because of the increasing tainted reputation associated with the League?

To read more, here is the link:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/02/08/nfl-scouting-combine-bans-players-domestic-violence-sexual-assault-weapons-convictions/80040774/