The Washington Redskins’ decision to claim former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster off waivers following yet another domestic violence allegation has sent shockwaves through the NFL.
Given that this is the second time Foster has been accused of domestic violence, the optics are not great in the nation’s capital. Scores of people have spoken out against Washington giving Foster another chance.
That now includes the National Domestic Violence Hotline and CEO Katie Ray-Jones. In a statement obtained by Sportsnaut, the organization called out the Redskins for employing Foster following the most-recent allegation.
“While we do not comment on allegations, the rush by the Washington Redskins to give Foster a place in their organization while an investigation is underway sends the wrong message that bad personal behavior is condoned if you are good at what you do professionally,” Ray-Jones wrote in a press release. “Every day at The National Domestic Violence Hotline, we answer between 1600 and 2000 contacts from victims of abuse. Domestic violence is never okay and the blame for abusive behavior is solely the responsibility of the abusive partner.”
This type of pushback is in no way surprising. Domestic violence has become an epidemic in the United States and around the world.
Washington’s decision to employ Foster after these damning allegations speaks more broadly to the NFL’s handling of domestic violence over the years. And while Foster might never suit up for the Redskins, their decision continues to be placed into question. And for good reason.