Does the NFL have a social issues problem?

One of the year’s enduring celebrity images featured four of the NBA’s most noticeable superstars — LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade — standing united on a stage and imploring Americans to put an end to the gun violence epidemic.

Chalk it up to yet another case where the NBA is discussing social issues, out front and loudly, while the NFL remains silent. Or issues the proverbial “no comment” as a way of skirting the conversation entirely.

Should we be shocked that the NFL is taking a “football first” approach on the issue of guns in America? This is what the league does, from Roger Goodell on down.

Indeed, the league has an unfortunate history of avoiding hot-button issues — even when those issues are ones landing on its own front doorstep.

Not caring for NFL alums? The lack of minority coaches? Drugs and PEDs? Concussions? Domestic violence? At best the NFL has avoided them entirely. At worst, it’s been downright hostile. And it’s getting old — fast.

We see what’s going on in cities and neighborhoods across America, from violence in Milwaukee to debates over bathroom access in North Carolina. To its credit, the NBA pulled the 2017 NBA All-Star game out of Charlotte in protest of the state’s controversial “House Bill 2″.

What did the NFL say? Nothing.

What did it do? Even less.

Next: What has been done?