NFL Abuse Scandals

Peyton Manning is facing sexual assault allegations that go back to the 1990s. How does that mesh with the image fans have of Manning today? (Leon Halip/Getty Images)

3 Stories You Should Know: Sports Idols, UConn Dynasty, Adidas Ad

Do fans really know the athletes they idolize? Does the UConn women's basketball dynasty get the attention it deserves? And is a recent Adidas ad featuring a same-sex couple problematic?...

Only A Game

07:59Feb 20, 2016

At a press conference before the Super Bowl NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell said "It was a tough year on me." (Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)

A 'Tough Year' For Roger Goodell?

The nation's most popular game ended with history's most popular television production on Sunday. But Bill Littlefield is still thinking about something the NFL's commissioner said before the Super Bowl...

Only A Game

03:15Feb 4, 2015

In his report on the NFL's handling of the Ray Rice case, former FBI Director Robert Mueller found no evidence that the league had video of Rice's assault of his then-fiance, but could have done more to obtain it. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Questions Remain After Mueller Report On NFL's Handling Of Rice Case

Former FBI Director Robert Mueller released his report on the NFL’s handling of the Ray Rice case on Thursday. Slate Senior Editor Jeremy Stahl argues that the investigation misses a...

Only A Game

03:33Jan 10, 2015

Off-field issues were a major issue in 2014 for the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell, but the league maintained its immense popularity. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images)(Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

2014: The (Sports) Year In Review

What was the most significant sports moment from 2014? The cases against Adrian Peterson and Ray Rice? Michael Sam coming out? The Sochi Olympics? The World Cup? Donald Sterling’s ouster...

Only A Game

05:13Jan 3, 2015

49ers Release McDonald After News Of Rape Investigation

The San Francisco 49ers have released defensive lineman Ray McDonald after learning that he's the subject of a rape investigation. McDonald was arrested in August as part of an unrelated...

Only A Game

Dec 17, 2014

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice could return to the field now that he has been reinstated. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Ray Rice Reinstated, Free To Return To The NFL

Ray Rice, whom NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell suspended indefinitely after a video showing Rice knocking out his wife became public, has been reinstated following appeal. Sports Illustrated legal analyst Michael...

Only A Game

02:58Nov 29, 2014

New York Times Investigation Spotlights Cover-Up Culture In NFL

While the NFL sorts out issues of crimes and punishment, Steve Eder, an investigative sports reporter for the New York Times, has written about the league's culture surrounding domestic violence....

Only A Game

04:52Nov 22, 2014

Sports Illustrated's Doug Farrar believes Adrian Peterson may be back on the field sooner rather than later. (Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

Rice, Peterson Await NFL Reinstatement Rulings

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is scheduled to meet with NFL officials on Monday. Former Baltimore Raven Ray Rice is awaiting a ruling from an independent arbiter on the...

Only A Game

04:36Nov 15, 2014

Adrian Peterson (right) remains on the reserve/commissioner exempt list and awaits further NFL review of his playing status following a plea deal on Nov. 4. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Futures of Peterson, Rice And Goodell Uncertain

Now that Ray Rice's suspension appeal is underway and Adrian Peterson has reached a plea deal, the NFL's domestic abuse scandals -- and their handling by Commissioner Roger Goodell --...

Only A Game

02:12Nov 8, 2014

ESPN's NFL Coverage: Compromised?

ESPN suspended Bill Simmons this week for calling NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell a liar. Bill Littlefield explores the network's checkered past concerning NFL criticism.

Only A Game

02:20Sep 27, 2014

Crisis management expert Gene Grabowski believes the NFL should be more proactive in its handling of the domestic abuse scandal. (Elsa / Getty Images)

A Crisis Management Expert Reviews The NFL

The NFL’s recent domestic violence scandals have created a public relations nightmare for the league. Gene Grabowski of the communications firm Levick says Roger Goodell’s press conference on Friday made...

Only A Game

03:51Sep 20, 2014

Baltimore Ravens fans stand in line to exchange the jersey of Ray Rice, who is recorded on video knocking out his then-fiance. (Patrick Smtih/Getty Images)

A Critical Look At The NFL And Domestic Violence

Sports Illustrated special features writer Jeff Benedict says the NFL has an 'antiquated playbook' when dealing with domestic violence and abuse. Benedict speaks with Bill Littlefield.

Only A Game

05:08Sep 20, 2014

Littlefield: To Curb Off-Field Violence, Make NFL Players Pay

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has announced the appointments of several influential women as part of the league's reaction to its domestic violence scandal. Only A Game's Bill Littlefield offers a...

Only A Game

03:31Sep 17, 2014

Adrian Peterson has been placed on the exempt-commissioner's permission list, which means he will not be able to participate in team activities. (Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

In Reversal, Vikings Will Keep Peterson Off The Field

After fans and sponsors expressed frustration about the possibility of Adrian Peterson returning to the field, the Minnesota Vikings' owners reversed course Wednesday. The team has announced Peterson will not...

Only A Game

Sep 17, 2014

Pop star and domestic violence survivor Rihanna blasted CBS' decision to drop her song from an NFL broadcast. The network then dropped it permanently. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Ray Rice Fallout Continues As Rihanna, NOW Slam NFL

The NFL has hired new staff members to oversee the league's domestic violence program. The National Organization for Women says that's not enough. And in more fallout from the Ray...

Only A Game

Sep 16, 2014

Fans packed into Levi's Stadium for Sunday night's Bears - 49ers game but even more watched from home. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Despite Abuse Scandals, NFL TV Ratings Rise

A week of news about the ongoing Ray Rice saga had some observers wondering if the NFL brand would take a hit. But the TV ratings for one of the...

Only A Game

Sep 15, 2014

Leitch On The NFL: 'This Is How Empires Fall'

Sports on Earth columnist Will Leitch joins Bill Littlefield to discuss the NFL's handling of the Ray Rice situation and whether the league is reaching a tipping point.

Only A Game

04:01Sep 13, 2014

Ray Rice (left) and Roger Goodell (right). (Handout/Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

The NFL, Ray Rice And Roger Goodell

Bill Littlefield has this week's developments in the controversy surrounding NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's handling of the Ray Rice case.

Only A Game

03:19Sep 13, 2014

Roger Goodell had initially suspended Ray Rice for two games, but has since extended the suspension indefinitely. (Elsa/Getty Images)

NFL Brass Channels SNL In Ray Rice Aftermath

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell claims he did not see the tape of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice striking his then-fiance in an elevator before he handed down a two-game...

Only A Game

03:40Sep 10, 2014

Running back Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens addresses a news conference with his wife Janay at the Ravens training center on May 23, 2014 in Owings Mills, Maryland. Rice spoke publicly for the first time since facing felony assault charges stemming from a February incident involving Janay at an Atlantic City casino.

Rice Cut, Suspended Indefinitely After Release Of New Video

After a video of Ray Rice punching his then-fiance in the face was released Monday, the Baltimore Ravens cut their star running back. The NFL then suspended him indefinitely. The...

Only A Game

Sep 8, 2014

Morning Edition

3 Stories You Should Know: Sports Idols, UConn Dynasty, Adidas Ad

A 'Tough Year' For Roger Goodell?

Questions Remain After Mueller Report On NFL's Handling Of Rice Case

2014: The (Sports) Year In Review

49ers Release McDonald After News Of Rape Investigation

Ray Rice Reinstated, Free To Return To The NFL

New York Times Investigation Spotlights Cover-Up Culture In NFL

Rice, Peterson Await NFL Reinstatement Rulings

Futures of Peterson, Rice And Goodell Uncertain

ESPN's NFL Coverage: Compromised?

A Crisis Management Expert Reviews The NFL

A Critical Look At The NFL And Domestic Violence

Littlefield: To Curb Off-Field Violence, Make NFL Players Pay

In Reversal, Vikings Will Keep Peterson Off The Field

Ray Rice Fallout Continues As Rihanna, NOW Slam NFL

Despite Abuse Scandals, NFL TV Ratings Rise

Leitch On The NFL: 'This Is How Empires Fall'

The NFL, Ray Rice And Roger Goodell

NFL Brass Channels SNL In Ray Rice Aftermath

Rice Cut, Suspended Indefinitely After Release Of New Video