Fans React To NFL Commissioner's Plan To End Domestic Violence
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) —The topic of domestic violence has left a strong impact on communities nationwide as prevention efforts have escalated.
Unfortunately, several NFL players have spotlighted themselves for becoming known attackers in this growing scandal.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made an appearance for the first time in over a week at a news conference Friday.
Goodell delivered a public apology, saying he has set a new course for the way the league will support domestic-violence services and victims.
"We have seen all too much of the NFL doing wrong," Goodell said. "That starts with me."
CBS2's Laurie Perez spoke with football fans at Phillipe's downtown who are closely watching the commissioner's next steps.
Some fans felt that the commissioner only held the conference to clear his name from the scandal as he has struggled to offer solutions in a timely manner.
Others were in support of his policy changes for the league.
Football fan Elda Cabello expressed that Goodell should not lose his job over the attention of this scandal in the NFL. Instead, she said the focus should be placed on the players accused of these crimes.
"As far as contracts, they should have clauses written in there," Cabello said. "As far as what they do off the field because it affects them professionally even on the field."
Many believe the commissioner's newly addressed support of domestic-violence services and victims may bring light to the scandal in a positive way.
So far, the league has shown support against this form of violence, funds have been granted for victims' groups and education has been provided for players.
Fans, however, addressed that the NFL should not ignore the idea that viewers may actually turn away from watching the sport if the league does not step up and take more preventative actions against domestic violence.
"If there was more abuse and nothing was being solved," said football fan Brian Hoffman, "there could be a chance where they cross that line and the NFL becomes unwatchable. There's too many distractions."
