WASHINGTON – Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar has signed a letter asking NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to adopt a "real zero-tolerance policy for domestic violence."
Klobuchar is among 16 women U.S. senators criticizing the league's handling of the domestic abuse case of player Ray Rice after the release of video by TMZ.com showing him striking his then-fiancee, knocking her unconscious.
"We were shocked and disgusted by the images we saw this week of one of your players violently assaulting his now-wife," the senators wrote. "Tragically, this is not the only case of an NFL player allegedly assaulting a woman even within the last year."
The Baltimore Ravens terminated Rice's contract and the NFL suspended him indefinitely following the release of the footage.
Goodell initially suspended Rice for two games. Facing mounting criticism for the decision, the NFL established a six-game unpaid suspension for players who violate the league's policy on domestic violence and a lifetime ban for a second offense.
"The NFL's current policy sends a terrible message to players, fans and all Americans that even after committing a terrible act of violence, you can quickly be back on the field," the senators wrote.
COREY MITCHELL
