A Team's Stance on Violence Against Women Begs the Question: Why Isn't This the Norm?

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A Team's Stance on Violence Against Women Raises the Question: Why Isn't This the Norm?

What’s going on: As the NFL draft approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles’ GM, Howie Roseman, is making one thing clear: He will not consider a player who’s been violent toward women for a spot on his roster. “I won’t even watch them,” Roseman said in a recent podcast interview. His comments, which have largely gone under the radar, put a spotlight on how the league handles personal conduct allegations. While the number of players accused of domestic violence has fluctuated over the years, at least 11 cases were reported to the NFL in 2023, and at least five in 2024. The league’s policy on domestic violence — created in 2014 after the mishandling of the Ray Rice case (which was eventually dismissed) — bans first-time offenders for six games and has a possible lifetime ban for second offenses. But critics say enforcement has been inconsistent or selective — meaning many players often face little to no career consequences. 

Our take: In a league that can often let talent excuse behavior, one NFL exec drew a clear line when it comes to violence against women. (Though some fans have accused the Eagles of letting other conduct fly.) Experts say there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to reprimanding players, and some argue a league-wide rule that terminates players convicted of domestic violence may disincentivize survivors from coming forward. But being clear on your ethical standards shouldn’t make you an outlier, and fans are hoping more NFL leaders take a page out of Roseman’s playbook.

Related: Speaking of Coaches, UConn's Geno Auriemma Had Some Choice Words for the NCAA (Well Played)

Pick Six

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Timeout...

Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.

The Masters Tournament tees off this week, bringing with it lots of traditions (including its famous $1.50 pimento cheese sandwich). Which ones should fans look out for?

There are so many timeless traditions at the Masters, but these are some of the favorites:

• The dinner for champions. The defending Masters champ (hi, Scottie Scheffler) hosts a dinner for fellow green-jacket winners and gets to design the menu. It’s always fun to see what they come up with — it sounds like this year’s menu brought the heat.

• The garden gnomes. Only a limited supply is available for purchase each day at the Masters, and some have sold on eBay for thousands of dollars (they only cost $50 to buy there).

• The “no phones allowed” rule. In a world where we’re all addicted to our phones, this tradition forces everyone to truly be in the moment. And it makes the professional photos of the golfers so much more iconic.

• The coveted prize. Tournament winners get awarded a green jacket that can only be worn on the grounds of Augusta National (unless you’re the reigning champion), and you shouldn't wear jeans with it.

FEATURED EXPERT:

Caroline Hendershot

Reporter for the New York Jets and co-host of Well Played

TOGETHER WITH ELI LILLY AND COMPANY

Highlight Reel

Athletes weren’t just showing off their skills at the 2025 Lilly Women’s College All-Star Combine this past weekend. They were also promoting the importance of early breast cancer detection by wearing custom Eli Lilly and Company jerseys with the number “99” — because when breast cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 99%. Pretty incredible, right? Lilly also partnered with Black Health Matters to offer free mammogram screenings outside the 2025 Women’s College All-Star Game and aired a short film about early detection during ESPN’s March Madness programming. Translation: They had a seriously major weekend. Learn more about Lilly’s work. 

In Her Court

Professional athletes share what’s on their mind with theSkimm. We caught up with USWNT star and captain of NJ/NY Gotham Football Club, Tierna Davidson, to chat about how she leads with empathy.

“Especially with athletes, I feel like we often forget that we’re people… We’re all just trying to figure it out. So just be patient and compassionate with people. And most importantly, be patient and compassionate with yourself.”

PS: Check out the full interview here. 

This interview, which was conducted before Davidson suffered a season-ending injury, has been edited for length and clarity.