# NFL Women Fans and Safety Concerns

> NFL's efforts to protect women fans clash with ongoing domestic violence cases among players.
- Title: NFL Women Fans and Safety Concerns · The Banner | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: nfl, domestic violence, female fans, rashod bateman, ray rice, justin tucker, seahawks, baltimore ravens, travis kelce, taylor swift, kansas city chiefs, ravens
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/opinion/column/nfl-female-fans-protecting-women-SARGRL6375GUNFADEKBTRTECDI
- Author: Leslie Gray Streeter
- Published: 2026-10-12T09:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nfl, domestic violence, female fans, rashod bateman, ray rice, justin tucker, seahawks, baltimore ravens, travis kelce, taylor swift, kansas city chiefs, ravens
## 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
## Key takeaway

The NFL faces criticism for its handling of domestic violence cases while attracting female viewers, despite suspending 53 players since 2014 for similar allegations.