I usually allow my principles to inform my actions.

In the past, when a fast-food chicken restaurant CEO made public statements opposing same-sex marriage, I vowed never to eat at one of his chain restaurants again. I do not want to risk that even a penny of my lunch bill will go to support opposition to LGBT rights.

When I learned from a friend's first-hand experience that a Berks County pub owner was disrespectful and unfair to his wait staff, I found another place to go that serves really good wings.

And when a popular craft store chain went to great legal lengths this year to withhold some health benefits from its female employees, I decided to drive 15 miles further down the road to make my craft purchases.

So why is it that when the National Football League does such a poor job of responding to a domestic abuse incident, I still find myself checking the sports page for kickoff times, looking forward to the next televised game?

The images of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice punching his then-fiancee in an elevator, knocking her unconscious, were all over the news recently. Rice has been indicted on a charge of third-degree aggravated assault. The incident occurred several months ago, but it was only on Sept. 8 that he was terminated by the Ravens. Worse yet, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell recently condemned Rice's actions only when the disturbing elevator video of the knockout punch was released.

Sadly, the organization has taken no quick and decisive steps to formulate an effective policy with regard to incidents of abuse by its players. So far, it seems, Goodell has only apologized and made promises for revising the NFL's conduct policy.

As the public awaits policy action by the NFL, another player, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is facing charges related to the mistreatment of his 4-year-old son, which he says was disciplinary and others say is borderline child abuse.

These incidents raise lots of questions.

Does playing a violent game lead to more violence off the field?

If you spend your whole life developing the skills to put a hurt on opponents on the playing field, does that behavior affect how you act off the field?

While there is no statistical evidence to show that football players are any more violent in their private lives than the general population, it seems like a likely hypothesis.

Is it possible that brain injury from repeated concussions is leading to a loss of self-control, resulting at times in violent behavior?

I am sure there are many very fine gentlemen on professional football teams. It is a shame these isolated incidents bring a dark cloud over the heads of all of them, but perhaps some good will come of it, if a light is shined on the problem and the answers to these questions are sought.

While researches ponder these questions, the NFL needs to take swift and decisive action to create a policy for handling any future incidents.

So far, I am disappointed in the official NFL response.

But I have to admit that, as a fan, I am not severing my ties or withdrawing my support of the game. Football is in my American blood, and I continue to be committed to the game.

Alas, there is no Philadelphia game this weekend, but on the 26th, in time for the kickoff, I will put on my Eagles sweat shirt and warm up a pizza in the oven for the game against the Cardinals.

After all, my team is 5-1 for the season, and it's a very good year.

Linda

Wojciechowski

associate editor

Catasauqua Press