I actually think the only workable solution is to prohibit the thugs who assault women, electrocute dogs, deal drugs, shoot themselves in the legs with illegal guns, drive drunk and kill people, and so on get punished by the justice system. It sounds like the problem is with the players.
A lot more work will be required to find out the magnitude of the possible problem and design effective solutions. That the NFL reportedly had the full video months ago--something that still needs to be verified--is troubling. If that was the case, Roger Goodell is not in a position to lead such an inquiry.
NOW is not relevant as much as they try to be. This is a failure. Why don't they contact Janay Rice and ask her why she married the guy who abused her?
The issue of reducing domestic violence and sex crimes is something in which many organizations, not just NOW, have interests. It's still early, but the new information, if it s corroborated is disturbing. If it is, in fact, accurate, it is possible that the NFL's sponsors could threaten to abandon it or begin to do so. Fans, especially female fans, could also do so. Such pressure would make Goodell's position as Commissioner untenable and, if decisive action is not taken afterward, could inflict significant damage on the NFL brand. Such damage would harm the many players, coaches, officials, and others who have nothing to do with domestic abuse and sex crimes. It could also open the door for Congress or the Department of Justice to intervene forcefully e.g., appoint a special prosecutor or other official to temporarily take control of the NFL and clean things up. Already, there is some bipartisan support in Congress for Congress to act, even in the face of the many challenges the nation is currently facing.
IMO, the best approach would be for Goodell to temporarily step aside and allow an independent investigation of the matter. if he's cleared of having failed to act appropriately, he could return. Otherwise he wouldn't. His failure to do so will only invite much more pressure, risk damaging the NFL's brand, and perhaps even trigger government intervention.
Janay Rice is a victim. Victims of abuse handle things differently. Some are eager to participate in seeking punishment of their abuser. Others are scared, often rallying to the abuser, as they figure the costs/risks of turning against the abuser outweigh those of siding with him or ignoring the abuse. Some even hope to transform the abuser. Human behavior is complex and the responses vary. I certainly have no special insight into Janay Rice's position other than the position she has taken. Pushing Janay to cooperate would probably put her in an unfair and bad position.
...someone is looking for money here - and it isn't just Janay Rice.
I'm not aware of any evidence that Ms. Rice is seeking money.