How does any professional sport in the USA deal with criminality?

This decision is easy. The professional sports in the USA are dependent on their sponsors and advertisers. The product manufacturers, regardless of product, don't want to be affiliated with criminality.

Nike has suspended (click here) its sponsorship deal with Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson following child abuse allegations. The Beaverton-based shoemaker issued a statement Wednesday morning that said Nike "in no way condones child abuse or domestic violence of any kind and has shared our concerns with the NFL."

The move comes the same day that the Vikings took Peterson off the team's active roster while he deals with a felony child-abuse charge in Texas....

If I may?

Imagine game day and the sports announcer believes he is seeing a diminished performance from Peterson. The announcer seeks to sympathize with what must be a difficult day for Peterson because of the criminal charges. He elaborates as to the charges and wishes Peterson the best outcome for him and his family. Then he turns to a commercial break that states, "Now, we hear from Nike. Makers of the best professional sportswear anywhere."

Who is listening to what is being said? Those repulsed by the crimes Peterson is charged with aren't going to be listening. They have already made up their minds and they aren't going to pretend to approve of his actions, nor the supportive words of the announcer.

Now, let's just imagine on the field are two of the four NFL players involved in criminality. Now, how is the field looking? The entire dialogue has been tainted by the criminal content of their private lives. The conversation is suppose to be about the sport, the players, their athletic contribution to the sport and the appreciation of the fans. 

It is wrong. It is simply wrong to have criminal content in a national sport. It is even worse if the fans and/or the sponsors are disrespected by the power of the NFL to try to marginalize their importance to the sport.

I do believe professional sports need to temper their reaction somewhat and have rules to governor professionals when they run into legal problems. No person is perfect and there is going to be brush burns here and there. Certainly a parking violation is nothing to get involved in, but, is it important to respond to "Death by Auto?" 

The path forward for professional sports should not be as confusing as it is today. It should not be on a case by case basis. It needs to be addressed by the owners in conference with the NFL. Certainly lawyers for these folks can chime in for a legal perspective and when suspension will actually prove to be a liability for the owners, their organizations and the NFL. 

To simply provide a quick example. When a police officer is involved with questionable outcomes while at work, they are put on a paid suspension. That translates differently with professional sports figures as they are paid a whole lot more. But, certainly a portion of their pay can be provided while their charges are investigated to the final adjudication. 

The League has to have a clear mission as well and focus on that mission in order to carry out the By-Laws that will be adopted concerning criminality with a player. The fans will know where their heroes fall on the line of being a 'great person' as well as a great player.

I don't envy anyone involved. I wish them all well.