NFL: Could Female Leadership Be on Its Way in Wake of Ray Rice Incident?

The NFL is synonymous with masculinity, swelling testosterone, brute physicality and “controlled” violence. As a result, there is a strong disconnect between the NFL and femininity. Yet, as a result of all that’s happened—and not happened—in recent years with dozens of league players engaging in domestic violence disputes, should a woman find her way into the leadership of America’s most popular and profitable sport?

The conversation of a woman joining the NFL’s executive office has been speculated for years with no real traction.

It wasn’t until TMZ released the footage of Ray Rice knocking out his then-fiance, Janay Palmer, that a scorching flame was lit under the feet of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and his colleagues. The heat they are currently feeling is from the public's pressure to end their policy of neglect toward female victims of NFL player’s abuse.

According to USA Today: Since 2000, 85 of the 713 arrests of NFL players have been connected with domestic disputes. Two of these players, the 49ers Ray McDonald and Panthers Greg Hardy, are both currently under investigation for acts of domestic violence against women close to them. However, each started for their respected teams this past Sunday. 

What might be more appalling than these acts of violence is the NFL's lack of action with domestic abuse in general. It took an incident where contact between player and female was caught on camera before the media, fans and general public decided domestic violence is an issue within the league.

Now the question to ask is this: How do we ensure the league is held accountable in the future and that players understand their despicable actions against women will not be tolerated?

There are many potential resolutions to this crucial question.

One option is to install a female within the executive leadership of the NFL. The addition of a woman would represent the league’s determination to fix its admitted failures by involving a female representative in all aspects of league operations—especially the handling of sensitive issues involving women.

In addition to the public relations boost, the NFL being led by a female—in some capacity—would send a direct message to players that acts of violence against women will not be permitted.

It’s unfortunate to think the league can’t maintain a moral compass with an issue such as domestic violence, but with decades of negligence on this issue, the most efficient and effective resolution is to diversify the current male leadership.

If the league does decide to go through with the inclusion of a woman—or women—within its leadership, pressure will be on the NFL to choose the right candidate for the position.

There are plenty of successful females with leadership experience in the legal and business communities, as well as the government, who could offer the right direction.

Ben Margot/Associated Press

One woman who has been rumored to be interested in leading the NFL as commissioner is former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

According to Washington Post columnist Jonathan Capehart, “The one person who could save the NFL” from its current crossroads is Rice. Rice has a known love of football and has compiled an unparalleled resume in comparison to anyone currently entrenched in the league office—sorry Goodell.

Would the NFL be in a better place today and in the coming years with Rice as its leader? Maybe. But that is up to her. If not, there are plenty of other women qualified to assist the NFL.

It’s hard to argue Goodell’s success during his time as commissioner. But at what point does Goodell’s focus on “profit over principle” become a deterrent to the league’s fans and eventually lead to the demise of the league's lucrative sponsorship deals.

If you’re asking yourself what happens next? It certainly appears as though Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson feels strongly about the domestic violence cloud currently hovering over the league. Watch here.

Is the NFL on the verge of collapse? No. Not even close. But does a league have to be on the cusp of folding to warrant change? Let's hope not. The NFL showed its flaws with its past and present handling of domestic violence cases.

Will a female NFL executive erase domestic violence from the league? No. But she would improve the chances that future offenders are held accountable throughout the league. At least more so than the incumbent commissioner has.