Memo

The National Football League

TO: Roger Goodell
FROM: Matthew Rich
DATE: April 8th, 2015
SUBJECT: Adrian Peterson

Purpose:
The purpose of this memorandum is to discuss the unethical behavior of Adrian Peterson
over the past twelve months. In this memo I will explain the wrong doings of Mr. Peterson and
explain in depth why I believe these actions are wrong and need further punishment. Finally I
will discuss how I believe the National Football League as an organization can protect
themselves from having further cases such as this one.
Memorandum Components:
Domestic Violence has been a problem for a while that has seen more attention as the
years go on. Sports have played a huge role in these cases as leagues are trying to crack down
and provide harsher penalties to those convicted. Many people think of domestic violence as
partners causing violence to each other but that is not always the case.
Adrian Peterson is a running back in the National Football League. He was drafted with
the seventh overall pick in 2007 by the Minnesota Vikings and has not put on another uniform
since. Peterson was indicted by a Montgomery County, Texas, grand jury on charges of reckless
or negligent injury to a child on September 12, 2014. He was accused of whipping his son on the
leg with a tree branch as a form of punishment.
Domestic abuse, especially towards minors, definitely goes against moral reasoning.
This disagrees with the principle of beneficence. Beneficence is preventing harm and doing
good. Obviously Mr. Peterson did not prevent harm as he actually caused the harm to his son.
Many people believe that he is allowed to reprimand his son however he wants. That is how he
was treated as a child and he became the successful football player he is today. I disagree with
this because times have changed and although it may have been acceptable to treat your child
like that in the past, it is no longer tolerable
The reason for this memo is to give an alternative to the way domestic abuse is being
treated. Adrian Peterson was suspended for the rest of the 2014 season. It looks like he is going
to be reinstated into the NFL for the 2015 season. I believe that this penalty is not sufficient
enough. Adrian is such a huge figure in not only football but society. I think if Adrian is banned
for life from football that it would send a big message to not only the rest of the league but
society that this type of behavior is not acceptable.

Conclusion:
I think not only the National Football League but every sports team needs to get a grip on
this situation. It is becoming a problem among big name athletes who are role models for
children. The same situation was dealt with in regards to Ray Rice. If the penalties are not
increased then society cannot expect for this to be changed. What is taken lightly is considered
acceptable and it needs to come to a halt starting with you, Commissioner Goodell, and the rest
of the National Football League.