Twistity Sports Exclusive: GOOD FOR GOODELL

 
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell took two important steps on Thursday.

First, he admitted he was wrong. Second, he changed a terrible policy that made light of a serious crime.

Goodell acknowledged hearing the public outcry over the league’s suspension of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice for two games for domestic abuse. Pot smokers get kicked out of the NFL for four games or longer (we are not condoning any illegal activities, simply pointing out the disparity in punishment). Marijuana is a violation of the substance abuse policy, domestic violence a breach of the personal conduct code.

Goodell finally made amends. He wrote a letter to team owners to announce enhanced policies and discipline under the personal conduct policy that will result in a six-game suspension for a first offense related to domestic violence or sexual assault and an indefinite ban for a second offense committed by any NFL personnel.

Rice was seen on videotape dragging his unconscious fiancée from an elevator in an Atlantic City, New Jersey hotel. He entered a diversion program, married his victim and then received a light punishment from the NFL.

When he appeared on the practice field for training camp, Ravens fans cheered him. And the NFL knew it had blundered. There were the cheers for a batterer, of course, and there was an extraordinary public reaction of outrage and disgust.

Hence this, in Goodell’s letter: “My disciplinary decision led the public to question our sincerity, our commitment, and whether we understood the toll that domestic violence inflicts on so many families. I take responsibility both for the decision and for ensuring that our actions in the future properly reflect our values. I didn’t get it right. Simply put, we have to do better. And we will.”

As always, better late than never.

Today’s question: Are you buying what the NFL is selling? Is this a sincere move or a public relations cover? Answers in the comments box, please.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman