Connector Contributor

Kids wearing a Tom Brady jersey or doing the Riverdance like Chad Ochocinco are just two examples proving that the NFL has a strangle on American culture and in nearly every household.

However, in the past year alone, the NFL has suddenly been struck with scandal, violence and political issues that were previously unimaginable. The Washington Redskins name case, a murder case, multiple domestic abuse cases, child abuse and the worst crime of all: poor judgment and action by the leader of this multibillion dollar organization.

The two-game suspension handed down to Ray Rice for the video of him dragging his unconscious fiancé out of the elevator was nothing short of disturbing, and it was made clear that he had been the one who struck her and knocked her out. With this evidence, straight from the words of Rice to the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Goodell still only instilled the two-game suspension.

After an apology by Goodell for acting “wrong” in his investigation of Rice, the video of Rice actually striking his wife surfaced via TMZ. This was unsettling, affecting not only the female fans in the NFL, but everyone.

Now with Rice released and suspended indefinitely the second time through, Goodell’s business decision and terrible judgment has called the league’s ethics and morals into question. The NFL, being the powerful organization that it is, was allegedly unable to get their hands on the video from inside the elevator, but TMZ was able to?

Goodell’s office received the video, but (allegedly) it was lost before it got to him. With his decisions, Goodell has put the NFL in danger of plummeting.  In addition to the Rice controversy, one of the greatest running backs of our time, Adrian Peterson, has found himself in a case that is going to be difficult to get out of. Peterson turned himself into the cops two weeks ago and was indicted for child abuse.

Although gruesome pictures of his child’s legs were released, Peterson is still employed by the Vikings and has not seen any suspension for violating the league’s conduct policy. We must wait to see how this particular situation pans out.

Also, Arizona Cardinals Running Back Jonathan Dwyer was arrested on two accounts. He head butted his wife for refusing his sexual advances and later, threw a shoe, striking his 17-month old son.

Dwyer spent the night in jail; however, he posted bail, just as Peterson did. Both of the abusers are still on their respective teams, and the league has taken no course of action. Goodell sitting back on his heels only makes the situation worse.

Having this image for the league is terrible and will continue to be, for they will forever be tagged as child and domestic abusers. Goodell’s lack of action will make a lasting impact on what the NFL stands for, which will likely be detrimental to the league.

Dan Snyder is one of the few men in America still adamant about keeping the nickname “Redskins” for his football team in Washington. To some this may be seen as a derogatory term that degrades all Native Americans, who were tagged with this name in a racist and discriminatory manner hundreds of years ago.

On the contrary, Donald Sterling, who was illegally taped, was removed from being the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers for the degrading things he said about African Americans. People applauded NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for his course of action.

Roger Goodell is more focused on selling tickets to the games of today than changing the wrong morals. This type of appeasement is becoming bothersome to those around the league, and combining this situation with the others, Goodell’s position is in real trouble.

The NFL is one of the most powerful corporations in America, across the board. However, they are so powerful that it won’t be noticed that they are in decline until they are close to the bottom.

With the public spotlight on them at all times, it is important to make the right decisions when considering subjects like abuse, murder and unethical matters. Unfortunately for the NFL, they have not been making the right decisions and the only way to improve is a restructuring of the corporation from the top before they find themselves down at the bottom.