Analyze Domestic Violence in the NFL: Time for Real Change?

Introduction:

During 2010 and 2011, the National Football League has generated revenue just under $9 billion. This figure represents the prices, which the sponsors, fans, and broadcasting companies have paid the league every year showing the dominant position of the league in the US market. The League has a dominant economic position in the industry. The value that NFL generates goes far beyond the mere comparability of financial statements. The NFL is one of the most popular organizations in its industry as based on its popularity, attendance and other social measures. The impact that this organization has on society on the whole also accounts for social capital.

NFL, as an organization, has the responsibility of safeguarding the interests of its stakeholders, community, and society.

The National Football League was established back in 1920 for the unification of the football association for scheduling of matched and solving the salaries issues of the players. The National Football League is currently comprised of 32 franchises all over the US. It is managed by 32 owners of the 32 franchises. The commissioners responsible for the disciplining and decision-making authority support the owners and coach for management of the teams.

The case represents the situation faced by Richardson, owner of the Carolina Panthers, who has to decide the fate of its player Hardy after being accused in his domestic violence case. Historically, the National Football League has been accused of being lenient on its players accused of domestic violence. The case of Ray Rice is an example of whose public video of beating his girlfriend in an elevator and knocking her outraised the public emotion on National Football League and its lenient policy against the player’s non-disciplinary activities. Ray Rice was banned for two games which showed the soft hand the management has on such issues (Martin, 2014). Richardson now faces a similar situation does not want to make a wrong decision. He is very much aware of the impact of his decision on the fate of the player, his team, organization, and society.

Problem:

The leniency of the National Football League on its players is involved in domestic violence cases.

Organizational Culture:

Looking at the organizational culture of the organization National Football League, it is to be noted if the culture fosters such behavior. Football is violent. It is expected to be violent. The players are expected to play angry and act like animals in the field. And afterward, within minutes, they are expected to become civil members of society again. For most players, this does not pose a problem. However, for others, it acts as a rage outlet and has splashed on everyday lives as well. Players are often demanded to have a physical ability (Kay-Phillips, 2016). The character is not one of the things which are expected from these players. Moreover, it is the one which often compromised in exchange for physical competency. The National Football League is found to have a leadership vacuum. Organizations with strong leadership do not act as the National Football League did. Consistent relationships with employees, consistent accountability, infrastructures, and consistent expectations are required to build a healthy culture of an organization (Piper, 2013).

Stakeholders:

The stakeholders of the National Football League including its management, owners, employees, customers, vendors, players, fans, including the women fan base have their interests in the National Football League. The National Football League as an organization has to fulfill the interests of its stakeholders. The society as a whole which lacks adequate steps towards the handling of domestic violence can take guidance from the National Football League if it can take it as an opportunity to assert leadership against domestic violence. It is in the interest of all stakeholders as the failure to do so can risk losing this entertainment which is valued in the billions (Purcell, 2014).

External Environment:

There are many external factors as well which influence the National Football League. Looking at these we have found.

Richardson decided not to re-sign Hardy. Hardy played the first game of the season, but then was placed on the exempt list for the time the domestic violence case played out which was for the whole season. The decision was applauded as it was one of the longest suspensions in the National Football League history on any player. It not only set the foundation for future cases, but also showed its players the example of the punishment that they would have to face if involved in such activities.

Recommendations:

Looking at this decision, it can be said that such decisions should be encouraged in future as well. The commissioner should develop proper regulations and rules in light of such situations and make the players aware of these. The players should be involved in activities involving the helping of victims of domestic violence to encourage empathy and understanding. The owner should encourage these activities and strict discipline of the management and players, giving them no excuse for such activities. The players should not support their teammates for such behavior and also report it if have any knowledge of any player.

References:

Kay-Phillips, J. (2016). Unnecessary Roughness: The NFL’s History of Domestic Violence and the Need for Immediate Change. Berkeley Journal of Entertainment and Sports Law, 5(1), 66-94.

Martin, A. (2014, October 9). Domestic Violence in NFL Bigger than Ray Rice. Retrieved June 13, 2018, from https://www.huffingtonpost.com/areva-martin/domestic-violence-in-nfl-_b_5800074.html

Piper, B. (2013, November 8). NFL bullying and the organizational culture that fosters it. Retrieved June 13, 2018, from https://world.wng.org/2013/11/nfl_bullying_and_the_organizational_culture_that_fosters_it

Purcell, G. (2014, Deptember 30). The NFL, stakeholders and violence. Retrieved June 13, 2018, from http://www.newburyportnews.com/the-nfl-stakeholders-and-violence/article_d1f7ec87-bc6e-5c98-88df-2a7d0e82386d.html