Off-field violence by NFL players: Comparing consequences issued for domestic violence and assault on women

The popular press have actively covered violence-related scandals involving NFL players.  But few journalistic or scientific investigations have systematically examined the penalties issued to the perpetrators. This study uses statistical analyses to determine whether NFL-imposed penalties differ for players committing assault vs. domestic assault. 

Method 

T-tests were used to compare mean fine amounts, game suspensions, and probation time between the two groups, using data from Schrotenboer’s NFL Player Arrest database (2014). Arrests were excluded from analyses if the case had not gone to trial, the player had not been sentenced, the trial was ongoing, or the case was otherwise unresolved. Arrests were included if charges were dropped after the player’s arrest. Fines were calculated by dollar amount and included court-mandated donations; suspensions were calculated per game and probation time was calculated per day.

Results:

NFL-imposed penalties were not significantly different for players committing assault vs. domestic assault. On average, fines for assault were $1600 greater than fines for domestic assault.

Discussions:

Despite the NFL’s strong public stance against domestic violence, findings indicate it is penalized at the same rate as other assaults. Given the high profile of its players, the NFL could set a stronger example that domestic violence is unacceptable.