The NFL’s "tumult deepened" yesterday with the arrest of Cardinals RB Jonathan Dwyer in connection with a domestic violence case, "hours after two other players, Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy, were placed on indefinite leave by their teams," according to Nathan Fenno of the L.A. TIMES. Phoenix police "arrested Dwyer on suspicion of aggravated assault in connection with two July incidents involving a woman and a young child." The Cardinals said that they "deactivated Dwyer from all team activities because of the 'serious nature of the allegations' and pledged full cooperation with the investigation." Dwyer "will be subject to the NFL's newly enhanced domestic violence policy that calls for a six-game suspension for the first offense." NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last month announced the policy "following widespread criticism over the initial two-game suspension" of Ray Rice (L.A. TIMES, 9/18). In N.Y., Borzi & Eder note the NFL yesterday "continued to find itself under siege for its handling" of domestic violence cases. Before Dwyer's arrest, the Vikings "reversed course" with Peterson, placing him on the Commissioner's exempt list after initially re-activating him on Monday. The Panthers similarly placed Hardy on the exempt list (N.Y. TIMES, 9/18). FS1's Dan O'Toole noted the NFL's "tidal wave of horrible news continued" with the Dwyer arrest ("Fox Sports Live," FS1, 9/17). In N.Y., Gary Myers writes the "worst eight weeks in NFL history have rocked the foundation of the league." The league has "always prided itself on being held to a higher standard, but it has failed miserably in these last eight weeks" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 9/18).
DAVIS WANTS SUSPENSIONS WITH PAY: Raiders Owner Mark Davis said he believes players "accused or arrested in a domestic-violence case should be suspended with pay." He said, "I want to make sure it fits the legalities and with what the union wants, but I just think that's the only thing that makes sense for us now." In San Jose, Tim Kawakami notes Davis with these comments "now becomes the first member of the NFL brethren to take such a clear and strong stand about instant discipline in domestic-violence cases." Davis said that he "would probably bring this up with other owners soon." Davis: "I see what the 49ers and Jed (York) are going through and what they're saying, 'Innocent until proven guilty' and that's the American way. But I think we have to get this right, and suspension with pay in those cases (while the investigation moves forward) is the only thing that makes sense to me right now." But Davis said that he "still supports" Goodell. Davis: "He's dealing with something we haven't experienced before at this level. We're all dealing with this. We're all trying to figure out how to get this right" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 9/18).
LEAGUE PLANNING NEW INITIATIVES: THE MMQB's Peter King reported a meeting took place yesterday morning "inside the NFL offices in midtown Manhattan," led by new VP/Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson. Also at the meeting were the league's three, new outside consultants -- Lisa Friel, Jane Randel and Rita Smith -- who this week were appointed to try to "help the NFL plan, shape and implement new policies in the league’s 31 team cities." In the next week or so, the league "is expected to have a training program set up for advisers and counselors in the program." Goodell "wants the programs in place during this season" (MMQB.SI.com, 9/17). In New Jersey, Tara Sullivan writes even if there is "some credit to be given for the attempt to correct mistakes, the truly troubling question remains unanswered: Why did the NFL ... so underestimate our disgust regarding issues of domestic violence?" It is time for the NFL to "take this opportunity to educate itself about what domestic violence is and how best to prevent it, to offer help for those who need it, to focus not only on punishment, but on prevention." If this "could be the upshot of this unnerving chapter in NFL history, then perhaps we’ll remember this time not simply for exposing the horrifying underside of a game we love, but as the turning point toward a smarter, more responsible future" (Bergen RECORD, 9/18). Chiefs coach Andy Reid: "It could end up being a positive for society and for the National Football League. I'm glad it's being addressed and I think positive things can happen" (K.C. STAR, 9/18).
TIME FOR A NEW REALITY: CBS Sports' Amy Trask said that Goodell "ultimately will survive this, the biggest crisis of his tenure, and continue overseeing the NFL." But she contends that he "must adapt to a new reality if he is to succeed over the long term." On Long Island, Bob Glauber writes it "is not only Goodell who must be willing to make transformative change." Trask: "It's also going to take a team of individuals to correct this. It's Roger and a team of executives, and not just the league office. At the end of the day, the league is a collection of 32 teams, and each of those individuals and families are responsible for addressing these issues" (NEWSDAY, 9/18).
