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NFLPA questions domestic violence training and education program

NFL Players Assn. Executive Director DeMaurice Smith criticized the league's new domestic violence training and education program for treating all players as perpetrators.
NFL Players Assn. Executive Director DeMaurice Smith criticized the league’s new domestic violence training and education program for treating all players as perpetrators.
(Alex Brandon / Associated Press)
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Associated Press

The players’ union has questioned why the NFL’s domestic violence training and education program “treats all players as perpetrators.”

In a memo sent to NFL Players Assn. members Thursday by Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and obtained Friday by the Associated Press, the union also said the plan “doesn’t build a positive consensus to warning signs.”

Smith and union special counsel Teri Patterson described two meetings this month with the league in which an NFLPA commission was briefed on the league’s approach to educating players, coaches, executives, owners and NFL personnel about domestic violence. He wrote that a “good overview of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse” was presented. But “it did not address larger issues of violence in and outside of the home.”

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The NFL said of the “perpetrators” claim: “Nothing could be further from the truth. The presentation expressly recognizes that people in the NFL are often falsely portrayed and that the actions of a few damage the reputations of many.”

“What the program teaches is that everyone can and should be part of the solution,” the league statement said.

In response to the union memo, the NFL said: “We were pleased to meet with the union and are working to incorporate their suggestions into the presentations to clubs. As we emphasized to the union, this first set of presentations is the start of a process of education that will continue in future years.”

Attorney says NFL, Ravens not helping

The attorney leading the NFL players’ union investigation into the Ray Rice domestic violence case tells the AP the league and the Baltimore Ravens have not been cooperating.

Richard Craig Smith says the NFL has not provided documents and witnesses requested by the NFLPA’s investigators, while the Ravens have refused any cooperation.

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The union’s investigation, like a similar probe organized by the NFL, isn’t a law enforcement inquiry and the parties involved aren’t under any legal obligation to comply with requests.

Smith says all parties should cooperate in both investigations, questioning the NFL’s sincerity in calling for transparency.

Etc.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne will not play in the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday because of an elbow injury.

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Bengals receiver A.J. Green is expected to miss a pivotal AFC North game against the Ravens on Sunday because of an injured right big toe. The Pro Bowl receiver was listed as doubtful on Friday.

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Defensive end Chandler Jones, who leads New England with 4 1/2 sacks, will not play this weekend against the Chicago Bears. The Patriots listed Jones as out for Sunday’s game because of a hip injury. He is expected to be sidelined for about a month.

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