It seems that just about every other week, we hear about an NFL player being suspended or arrested due to claims of domestic violence. Earlier this year, the Seattle Seahawks cut quarterback Trevone Boykin for domestic violence allegations. Just this week, Louisville tight end Kemari Averett was arrested for multiple charges, including domestic violence (fourth-degree assault). While Averett is not an NFL player, there are certain studies that seem to suggest that the sport of football may be a factor in the aggression exhibited by many of these athletes.

National Football League Linked to Violence

A study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice in 2015 studied criminality in the NFL as compared with criminality in the general public. The study found that the general population has higher arrest rates than the NFL population for crimes relating to property and public order. However, in six of the fourteen years that this study took place; the NFL population had higher arrest rates for violent crimes than the general population did.

Another study out of Boston University linked domestic violence rates and brain injuries common in football players. “It found that 99 percent of deceased NFL players' brains revealed a disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which causes impaired judgment, impulse control issues, and aggression.” The doctor who headed the study told CNN that there is no doubt that football players are at risk for the aggression elevating disease, but that it is not just football players who are at risk—any individuals who are consistently exposed to head trauma may also suffer.

On the other hand, another study published by St. John Fisher College shows that 15.7 percent of the arrests of NFL players are due to domestic violence. The majority of NFL arrests being for drug and alcohol-related offenses.

Domestic Violence in Washington State

In the state of Washington, domestic violence constitutes:

• “Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, between family or household members;
• Sexual assault of one family or household member by another; or
• Stalking of one family or household member by another family or household member.”

The domestic violence law also violence between those in intimate dating relationships. Because domestic violence charges can be made of so many other criminal charges the consequences of such a charge are often very serious. Depending on the circumstances, if elevated to a felony, the accused could face up to life in prison and $50,000 in fines.

Domestic violence charges should be taken very seriously. If you have been arrested for domestic violence, whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, the Law Offices of Steve Karimi can help. Attorney Steve Karimi has a proven track record of success and will stop at nothing to protect your rights. Mr. Karimi is an experienced domestic violence defense attorney who is a top-rated criminal defense attorney in the Seattle area. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a domestic violence offense in the Seattle area, contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today.