Six other NFL domestic abuse cases and how the league responded
Ray Rice is just the latest NFL player to be involved in a domestic abuse case. Many critics think the league is too soft on players who have been charged with domestic abuse. We've compiled a list of six other cases, going back to 2013, and laid out how both the NFL and the courts responded. Not every player was...
Ray Rice is just the latest NFL player to be involved in a domestic abuse case. Many critics think the league is too soft on players who have been charged with domestic abuse. We've compiled a list of six other cases, going back to 2013, and laid out how both the NFL and the courts responded. Not every player was punished with a slap on the wrist. But many were.
Chris Rainey
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back was arrested in January 2013, for allegedly slapping his girlfriend.
While playing college football with the Florida Gators in September 2010 he was arrested and charged with aggravated stalking for allegedly sending his then girlfriend threatening text messages including one that read "Time to Die B---- u and ur???".
Legal punishment: 2013 - Judge reserved a decision and Rainey paid about $500 in fees. 2010 - Pled guilty, received a deferred prosecution and was ordered to get counselling.
NFL reaction: Rainey was immediately cut by The Steelers. The Gators briefly cut him. He rejoined the team in October 2010. He now plays with the Arizona Cardinals.
Leroy Hill
Former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill was arrested in January 2013 for allegedly hitting his girlfriend and keeping her in his home against her will. In 2010 he was arrested on a fourth-degree domestic assault charge.
Legal punishment: For the 2010 charge he avoided trial on the promise of staying out of trouble and doing a year-long domestic violence treatment program. Prosecutors didn't pursue the 2013 charges, saying medical records did not support the alleged victim's claims.
NFL punishment: In 2010, Hill was suspended without pay for one game and was fined one additional game's pay for violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy. Since he was injured and not able to play anyway, his punishment amounted to two weeks pay. He had previously been suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policies. Hill is currently an unrestricted free agent.
Amari Spievey
In March of 2013 former Detroit Lions safety, Amari Spievey was arrested for third-degree assault, disorderly conduct and risk of injury to a child. The alleged victim was his girlfriend who was also arrested in the incident. They were having a dispute over child support payments.
Legal punishment: Spievey completed a family violence education program and a judge dismissed the criminal charges.
NFL reaction: At the time of the arrest the Lions said they were gathering more information, he wasn't suspended. Spievey was released from the team in August 2013 and is an unrestricted free agent.
A.J. Jefferson
In November of 2013 A.J. Jefferson, who was a cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings, was arrested on probable cause of domestic assault for allegedly choking his girlfriend.
Legal punishment: He plead guilty to a misdemeanor count of domestic assault. Jefferson was sentenced to 90 days but got a suspended sentence with three days time served in jail.
NFL reaction: Jefferson was cut from the Vikings almost immediately after the arrest. He now plays with the Seattle Seahawks.
Greg Hardy
In July 2014, Greg Hardy was found guilty of assault and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend. The defensive end for the Carolina Panthers is appealing the decision.
Legal punishment: Hardy faces an upcoming jury trial in November.
NFL reaction: On Wednesday, Panthers coach Ron Rivera would not comment about Hardy's case. Hardy is expected to play Sunday.
Ray McDonald
Ray McDonald, defensive lineman, San Francisco 49ers was arrested over Labour Day weekend and charged with felony domestic violence. The alleged victim is his pregnant fiancé. Police say the victim had visible injuries.
Legal punishment: Undetermined. He was released on $25,000 bail and is due back in court September 15.
NFL reaction: No disciplinary action has yet been taken. The San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh told NFL.com: "I would much rather someone criticize me for doing that than punishing somebody who might be innocent and put them in a position where we're presuming guilt before you've given them an opportunity to prove their innocence." McDonald is expected to play on Sunday.