From The Banner · Leslie Gray Streeter · · 1m 40s
NFL Women Fans and Safety Concerns
NFL's efforts to protect women fans clash with ongoing domestic violence cases among players.
In brief
NFL's efforts to protect women fans clash with ongoing domestic violence cases among players. The NFL faces criticism for its handling of domestic violence cases while attracting female viewers, despite suspending 53 players since 2014 for similar allegations. Originally reported by The Banner.
Ray Rice's past
Shayna Keller recalls Ray Rice's jersey going to the back of the closet after his 2014 assault on his fiancée.
“his jersey went to the back of the closet, never to be worn again”
Justin Tucker's allegations
Justin Tucker faced 2025 allegations of sexually inappropriate behavior with massage therapists.
“so i put that jersey next to ray rice right in the back”
NFL's audience growth
The NFL estimates 47% of its audience is women, boosted by Taylor Swift attending Chiefs games.
“the nfl estimated women made up 47% of its audience”
NFL's response to incidents
The NFL has formalized criteria for investigating domestic and sexual violence allegations since 2014.
“the work started in 2014 and continues to this day”
Tierra Taylor's perspective
Tierra Taylor, a Ravens fan, says women who have breasts don't want to get hit.
“these same women who have boobs also don't wanna get hit”
Rice and Tucker's outcomes
Ray Rice was suspended indefinitely but overturned on appeal; Justin Tucker was released and suspended by the NFL.
“he was suspended indefinitely, although that suspension was overturned on appeal”
Rashod Bateman's case
Rashod Bateman faces misdemeanor family violence charges over alleged altercation with partner in Georgia.
“rashod bateman faces charges of misdemeanor family violence”
53 players suspended
The NFL suspended 53 players since 2014 for domestic and sexual violence allegations.
“53 players have been suspended after accusations related to domestic and sexual violence”
Sarah Hedges' view
Sarah Hedges says Ray Rice has spoken out against domestic violence since his incident.
“he’s done so much good for the community”
Punishment gaps
The NFL's punishment for domestic violence is inconsistent, with Rice getting a two-game suspension initially.
“rice was initially suspended for just two games”
Women's concerns
Women fans feel the NFL isn't prioritizing their safety in domestic violence situations.
“women are not prioritized, in terms of how we are protected, especially in domestic violence situations”
What happens next
Women fans may stop attending games but continue watching via streaming services.
“i don’t feel great. but i still love the ravens”
What it means
The NFL faces criticism for its handling of domestic violence cases while attracting female viewers, despite suspending 53 players since 2014 for similar allegations.
