Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis took a stand Wednesday, telling a reporter that he thinks players charged or accused in domestic violence cases should be suspended immediately with pay.
Davis spoke to Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News
"“In my mind, if somebody’s accused or arrested in a domestic violence case, they should be suspended with pay,” Davis said."
Davis’ statement is significant in this respect: He’s the first of the NFL’s 31 owners (the Green Bay Packers are publicly owned) to speak out about taking a clear, strong stand.
"“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.”"
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The NFL is still reeling from criticism for its stances on a quartet of high-profile abuse cases involving star running backs Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson and defensive players Greg Hardy and Ray McDonald.
A fifth player, Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Dwyer, was accused of domestic violence on Wednesday.
Davis would not criticize his Bay Area neighbors, the San Francisco 49ers, for their handling of the McDonald case, but also said the approach isn’t working for the league.
"“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,” Davis said. “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.”"
A clear, succinct policy would have to be an improvement over the waffle smorgasbord we’ve been treated to over the last few weeks by the league and its member franchises.
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