NFL Controversy

Ray Rice on Domestic Violence: 'Worst Decision of My Life'

Two years after surveillance video put him at the center of a domestic violence storm, ex-Baltimore Ravens' Ray Rice defines “champion” differently.

Deflategate: A Timeline of the New England Patriots' Long and Winding Scandal

If the case's twisting trail seems confusing, that's because it is. Here's a roadmap.

Study Finds Evidence of Brain Injury in Living NFL Veterans

More than 40 percent of retired NFL players tested with advanced scanning technology showed signs of traumatic brain injury, a much higher rate than i

Poll Suggests Patriots' Tom Brady Took Image Hit From NFL Deflate-Gate

The public's view of him may have dimmed, but a brand expert says that may not last.

Tom Brady Won't Talk About Deflate-Gate, Says Let's Play Football

In his first media appearance since a federal judge threw out his four-game suspension on Thursday, Brady resolutely refused to discuss underinflated anything.

Deflate-Gate: Tom Brady Posts to Facebook Thanking Patriots, Fans for Support

Tom Brady posted a statement on Facebook thanking his fans, teammates and family for their support on Friday night, a day after a federal judge threw out his four-game suspension in the Deflate-Gate scandal.

Deflate-Gate: Settlement Talks Break Down Between Tom Brady, NFL Union

The judge could rule as early as Tuesday.

Deflate-Gate Judge Tells Both Sides to Keep Talking in Dispute Over Tom Brady Suspension

The star quarterback was told to return to court Aug. 31 if the two sides cannot settle.

Tom Brady on Deflate-Gate: 'I Did Nothing Wrong,' Didn't Destroy Evidence

The Patriots quarterback responded after the league upheld his four-game suspension.

Domestic Violence Charges Against Ray Rice Dismissed, Judge Confirms

He completed a pretrial intervention program.

Domestic Violence Case Against Greg Hardy Dismissed

Hardy’s now on track to become a free agent on March 10.

Ray Rice Settles Grievance With Ravens: Source

The question now: Will anyone sign him?

NFL Fumbled Ray Rice Case: Investigator

A report by former FBI Director Robert Mueller says the NFL did not do a good enough job examining assault claims against Ray Rice.

NFL Chief Pledges Tougher Action on Domestic Violence

Commissioner Roger Goodell has been criticized for holding too much power in how the league punishes players.

Senators Talk Tough on Domestic Violence in Sports

At a hearing of the Commerce Committee, the senators said they were particularly disgusted by the case of Ray Rice.

Ray Rice: All I Hope for Is a Second Chance at NFL

The player tells Matt Lauer that he hopes he can play again in the NFL.

Janay Rice: Ray Never Hit Me Before Elevator Incident

"I'm not going to sit there in silence and let something happen to me," Ray Rice's wife told Matt Lauer.

Ray Rice, Wife Speak to TODAY's Matt Lauer

After being knocked unconscious, Janay says her first reaction was to be “done” with the relationship.

Ray Rice Eligible to Play Again After Winning Appeal of NFL Suspension

Rice, the ex-Ravens running back, won an appeal of his indefinite suspension from the league after video surfaced of him assaulting his now-wife.

Adrian Peterson Suspended Without Pay for Rest of NFL Season

Peterson pleaded no contest earlier this month to a charge of misdemeanor reckless assault for disciplining his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.

Ray Rice, Wife Testify in NFL Appeal Hearing

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice and his wife on Thursday completed their testimony in an appeal hearing on his suspension.

Ex-NFL First-Round Pick Charged With Sex Assault

Former Giants tackle Luke Petitgout’s attorney called the charges “entirely without merit” and the allegations “baseless.”

'I'm Just Glad This Is Over': Peterson Pleads No Contest in Abuse Case

The Vikings running back will serve probation and community service to settle the child-abuse case, and says he wants to move forward.

Goodell, Two Ravens Executives Will Testify in Ray Rice Appeal

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and two Ravens executives have been compelled to testify in Ray Rice's domestic abuse suspension appeal.

NFL Domestic Violence Conduct Revamp Is 'Complicated': Chief

It will take months for the NFL to institute revamped domestic violence policies, the official leading the effort told NBC News.

Judge Nears Ruling on Goodell Testimony in Ray Rice Appeal

The arbitrator who will hear the appeal could decide as early as Tuesday, NBC News has learned.

Former NFL G.M. Jerry Angelo Says Domestic Violence Was Covered Up

“We knew it was wrong,” Jerry Angelo says. “For whatever reason, it just kind of got glossed over."

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Discusses League's Domestic Violence Plan

Roger Goodell held a meeting with NFL team owners on Wednesday to discuss domestic violence prevention.

Vikings Star Adrian Peterson's Trial Set for December

Adrian Peterson is charged with whipping his young son with a tree branch.

Adrian Peterson Swings Back at Charity Criticism

The Minnesota Vikings star, who was recently charged with beating his child, challenged a newspaper report about his charity.

Peterson to Plead Not Guilty to Child Abuse Charges: Report

On Wednesday, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will appear in court in connection with his pending child-abuse charge.

Why Domestic Violence Prevention Programs Don't Work

Decades after the women’s movement called attention to domestic violence, there’s no consensus around why it happens, let alone how to prevent it.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Visits National Domestic Violence Hotline

National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell visited officials from the National Domestic Violence Hotline Saturday.

NFL Player Was Accused of Rape on Saturday, Played Sunday: Lawyer

A lawyer representing women who claim to be victims of abuse at the hands of one NFL player added allegations against another, this time for rape.

NFL Insists There's No Evidence It Received Ray Rice Tape

Even as new reports emerge that the video of Ray Rice punching his wife was delivered to NFL offices, the league insists it never saw the video.

Report: Ray Rice Elevator Video Was Mailed to NFL in April

The video was sent to NFL headquarters to the attention of league security chief Jeffrey Miller in April, a law enforcement official told the AP.

ESPN Suspends Bill Simmons Over Goodell Tirade

ESPN has suspended Bill Simmons for three weeks after he repeatedly called NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell a liar during a profane tirade on a podcast.

Domestic Violence: The NFL Isn't the Only Workplace With a Problem

In all likelihood, your boss does not know what to do about or is ducking the problem of domestic violence, bioethicist Art Caplan writes.

Infographic: Domestic Violence by the Numbers

Twenty people per minute are victims of physical violence by an intimate partner in the U.S.

Goodell Had Misgivings About Two-Game Ray Rice Suspension: Report

A report says the NFL commissioner "wasn't sure he had done the right thing" after handing Rice a two-game suspension in a domestic abuse case.

NFL Chief Roger Goodell After Scandals: 'Now, I Will Get It Right'

The news conference will be the first public appearance for Commissioner Roger Goodell in more than a week.

NFL Chief Roger Goodell's Apology Blasted by Women's Groups, Players

Roger Goodell's press conference in which he admitted mistakes in the domestic-violence controversy failed to win over his fiercest critics.

Ravens Made Mess of Ray Rice Case From the Beginning: Report

A report by ESPN claims the Ravens knew almost immediately that Ray Rice punched his then-fiancee in the face in an elevator.

Roger Goodell Seems Willing to Cede Some Decision-Making Power

“Everything is on the table,” the NFL commissioner said when asked whether he could include some other voices in league decisions.

Adrian Peterson Case: Some Parents Say Spankings Improved Them

The Adrian Peterson case is prodding some Americans to ponder: ‘If physical punishment from a parent is so damaging, why did it work on me?’

Domestic Violence Hotline Deluged With Calls Since NFL Scandal

The number of calls coming into a national center jumped from 800 to 1,300 a day after the video of Ray Rice hitting his fiancee appeared.

Police: NFL Player 'Head-Butted' Wife

Chicago Bears' Brandon Marshall Urges Caution on NFL Violence Cases

Brandon Marshall, who turned his own life around, said domestic violence is a broad societal problem for which the NFL isn't responsible.

Cardinals Put Jonathan Dwyer on Non-Football Illness List

The decision to place Dwyer, who has been charged in a domestic violence case, means the team has the option of not paying Dwyer.

EXCLUSIVE: America Shrugs Off Scandals Plaguing NFL, NBC Poll Reveals

Nearly 90 percent of Americans say the recent outcry about domestic violence in the NFL hasn’t changed how much professional football they watch.

Police Detail Assault Allegations Against NFL's Jonathan Dwyer

The Cardinals running back head-butted his wife and broke her nose after she bit his lip to stop his sexual advances, according to a police report made public Thursday.

NFL Player Jonathan Dwyer Arrested for Assault

Lupica: NFL's Credibility is Suffering

NFL Turmoil: What to Know About Who's in Trouble and Why

The barrage of controversy pelting NFL right now is enough to give you a concussion.

Could Brain Injuries Be Behind the NFL Rap Sheet?

With a growing number of NFL players involved in domestic abuse grabbing headlines, some are starting to wonder about a concussion connection.

'Goodell Must Go' Banner to Fly Over Georgia Dome

Women’s advocacy organization UltraViolet will once again fly a “Goodell Must Go” banner over the site of a prime-time, nationally televised game.

Arizona Cardinals RB Jonathan Dwyer Charged With Assault

The hits just keep on coming for the NFL. Charges against Jonathan Dwyer include assault and preventing someone from calling 911.

Feeling the Heat: Will NFL Sponsor Wrath Change the League?

The corporate blowback might not dent the league's pocketbook anytime soon but it could be a factor down the road.

Major Sponsors Turn Up Heat on NFL Over Handling of Abuse Scandal

Companies have started yanking sponsorship deals over the NFL's handling of the domestic abuse scandal.

Nike Suspends Contract With Vikings' Adrian Peterson

Nike "in no way condones child abuse or domestic violence of any kind and has shared our concerns with the NFL."

Hardy Could Wind Up on 'Exempt' List With Peterson, Source Says

The Vikings may have given Panthers owner Jerry Richardson a path through the maze.

Goodell: 'Never Intended' to Hear Ray Rice Appeal

There was no word on who will hear the appeal.

Still Playing: 12 NFL Players Have Domestic Violence Arrests

The NFL's handling of Ray Rice had brought new focus to its record on domestic violence, which includes many players who remain on the field.

Vikings Tell Peterson to Stay Away From Team Activities

The Minnesota Vikings reverse course on Adrian Peterson’s reinstatement and place him on the exempt list, banning him from all team activities.

Union Appeals Ray Rice's Indefinite Suspension From NFL

The former Baltimore Ravens running back is challenging his suspension from the league for punching his former fiancee.

Ray Rice Video Likely Leaked by Casino Employee: Sources

The casino security staff "absolutely" believes the first video was leaked by an employee, one source said.

Mother of Alleged Victim in Adrian Peterson Case Asks for Privacy

The mother of the 4-year-old allegedly abused by the Vikings' Adrian Peterson says photos of her son's injuries shouldn't have been published.

Adrian Peterson's Foundation Goes on Hiatus

Adrian Peterson’s foundation posted a message on its website saying it was on hiatus until further notice.

Corporal Punishment: Legal and Common

Parents can hit their children in all 50 states, and two-thirds say they have spanked their kids.

Wheaties Drops Adrian Peterson From Website

Embattled Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been completely dropped by Wheaties, the breakfast of champions.

Ray Rice Got Domestic Violence Resolution Training in 2008, NFL Confirms

All rookies are required to attend a symposium that includes domestic violence resolution training, and the league confirms that Rice attended.

Minnesota Governor Calls On Vikings to Suspend Adrian Peterson

Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton calls the situation “awful” and that while Peterson is entitled to due process, he is a public figure and should be suspended.

President Obama 'Shocked' by Ray Rice Video, McDonough Says

White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough explains President Obama’s reaction to Ray Rice’s NFL suspension.

Ray Rice Isn't Alone: 1 in 5 Men Admits Hitting Wives, Girlfriends

Close to one in five men admits he has hit, slapped, kicked or otherwise attacked a wife or girlfriend, researchers say.

NFL's New Lobbyist Has Domestic Violence Street Cred

Cynthia Hogan, most recently counsel to Vice President Joe Biden, worked on the Violence Against Women Act while serving as a Senate aide.

Rihanna Rants Over Pulling Song From NFL Pregame Show

The singer's "Run This Town" was cut from CBS' pregame coverage Sunday in light of the domestic violence issues in the league.

Adrian Peterson Lawyer Denies Alleged Second Investigation

It's "simply not true" that Adrian Peterson, under indictment on child abuse charges, was previously investigated in an abuse case, his lawyer says.

#GoodellMustGo: Activists Alter CoverGirl Model to Protest NFL

CoverGirl recently debuted a series of advertisements encouraging female fans to "Get Your Face On" with makeup matching their favorite team's colors.

NFL Brand Tarnished But Remains 'Unbreakable': Experts

The NFL is scrambling for good-news daylight like a frantic quarterback, but as a brand, America’s game appears indestructible, experts agree.

UltraViolet Group Says NFL Plan Doesn't Get Goodell Off Hot Seat

The co-founder of a women's group said the NFL commissioner's actions were "positive," but the way he handled the Ray Rice scandal was "deceptive."

How Would Ray Rice Suspension Appeal Work?

The appeal will result in a hearing, at which Rice and his lawyer can present evidence and argument in support of the appeal.

Adrian Peterson Releases Statement About Indictment in Texas

"I very much want the public to hear from me but I understand that it is not appropriate to talk about the facts in detail at this time."

Minnesota Vikings Say Adrian Peterson Will Play This Week

The team said "we believe this is a matter of due process and we should allow the legal system to proceed." The Vikings lost 30-7 without Peterson.

#GoodellMustGo: Ultraviolet Flies Anti-Goodell Signs at NFL Games

“It is time for Roger Goodell to resign, and for the NFL to get serious about its commitment to ending violence against women within the league.”

NFL arrest puts focus on corporal punishment

Texas officials say NFL star Adrian Peterson faces charges of injury to a child and reckless and criminal neglect. The allegations are restarting an old debate over corporal punishment. NBC’s Craig Melvin reports.

Calls growing for NFL commissioner to go

Some women’s groups have launched a campaign for Roger Goodell’s resignation. Meanwhile, sources say Ray Rice will appeal his suspension. NBC’s Peter Alexander reports.

Vikings Haven't Decided Anything About Adrian Peterson

The team has not yet decided when and if Peterson will be playing on future Sundays.

Ray Rice to Appeal Indefinite Suspension Monday: Sources

According to multiple league sources, Rice will appeal the indefinite suspension on Monday.

Are women being turned off from the NFL?

Fans return to stadiums after a controversial week, and at least one women’s advocacy group will be flying banners saying "Goodell must go."

Report: Adrian Peterson Won't Attend Sunday's Vikings Game

Typically, deactivated players attend the game. Adrian Peterson apparently won’t be.

Adrian Peterson Charges Taken 'Extremely Seriously': District Attorney

Peterson was charged Friday with "injury to a child," which Peterson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, said involved Peterson's using a "switch" to spank his son.

Documents Detail Ray Rice's Punishment for Aggravated Assault Charge

A month after Rice was charged with aggravated assault, he was granted pretrial intervention, which means that by May, he could have a clean record.

Prosecutor Gave Ray Rice a Sweetheart Deal, Data Suggests

The prosecutor claims he wasn’t showing leniency when he allowed Rice to get off with a pre-trial intervention program for punching his wife.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson Charged in Son's Injury, Won't Play Sunday

The Minnesota Vikings on Friday deactivated all-pro rusher Adrian Peterson after the 29-year-old was indicted in for his son's injury.

Vikings' Adrian Peterson Indicted in Child Injury Case

The Vikings running back is charged in Texas, will not play Sunday. His lawyer said he regrets the injury, and was disciplining his son with a switch.

Ray Rice Told NFL's Roger Goodell He Hit Fiancee: Sources

Sources close to Ray Rice say that the running back and his wife are now focusing on their faith.

Actress Robin Givens: Ray Rice Incident a 'Game-Changer'

"However difficult it is for this poor woman, she will help myself and other women just to be believed," Givens told TODAY.