From the Executive Director

NFL and Social Work

By Janlee Wong, MSW

Nearly everyone has an opinion about the recent news regarding National Football League (NFL) players, domestic violence and child abuse. Some express outrage that these tall and superbly athletic men would commit acts of violence against women and children. Others ask “What do you expect given the violent sport and our violent culture?”

Regarding child abuse, many cite cultural mores around physical discipline passed down from generation to generation. Few know that based on arrest records, these men constitute about 1 percent of all NFL players.

A generation ago, of those polled, 98 percent indicated they used physical discipline on their children. Polls now show that number to have declined to the low 70s. Regarding domestic violence, recent studies have shown an increase in women engaging in domestic violence. One case in the news involves a star women’s soccer player assaulting her partner.

Social work doesn’t believe any form of violence — be it domestic or child abuse — is justified. Cultural rationales should be understood, but cultures can change through education. What is missing in all the discussion is the teachable moment opportunity to use the vast media attention to promote this change.

For each of these star athletes, social work would focus on how they came to a point in committing these violent acts and how they can be rehabilitated, not demonized. The NFL’s focus is on damage control and preserving market share. They’re emphasizing a “punish” players policy and say they have a “no tolerance” policy, but what they should be doing is promoting education and rehabilitation. Pundits were critical of the football Baltimore Ravens’ owner for not joining the chorus of condemnation and, instead, supporting his player and promoting rehabilitation.

Social workers treat perpetrators of domestic violence and child abuse every day. We know that to rehabilitate someone, you must earn their trust and confidence. We don’t condemn or judge. We see such people as needing help. As social workers we can take this opportunity to join in the discussion and promote education and rehabilitation.