NFL players sign a contract for big dollars. They get paid those big dollars in sixteen chunks, 1/16 per game, plus whatever bonuses and incentives. If the NFL makes a rule that a first offense DV is a four or six game suspension, no appeal, and second offense is eight games or a full season, and on the third they are banned from the league, then all of a sudden these guys will be punching holes in walls or breaking furniture - but not beating up their women.
Part of the problem is that enforcement is completely arbitrary, and it depends on how ugly the situation was, how much publicity it drew, and most of all who the player is and what his value to the team is. Star players get away with a helluva lot more than third stringers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/20/sports....html?_r=1
"Within the first year of the personal conduct policy, the contrast in the handling of different cases was on display when three members of the Pittsburgh Steelers — running back Najeh Davenport, linebacker James Harrison and wide receiver Cedrick Wilson — were accused in domestic violence cases, according to news reports at the time.
Mr. Davenport, who was accused during the season, was never suspended and was acquitted after a trial that took place after the season. Mr. Harrison, a star and an important player during the Steelers’ run to the Super Bowl after the 2008 season, also was not suspended. But Mr. Wilson, a lesser-known player, was dropped from the team within hours of his arrest, and he never played in the N.F.L. again."
It might also be pointed out that the two owners investigating the Rice situation are Mara of the Giants, and Rooney of the above mentioned Steelers. I'm sure that their judgement will be very evenhanded. /blue font off