Looking at the recent news, football fans can see that there has been a noticeable increase in reported domestic violence incidences lately. New Orleans Saints linebacker Junior Galette is just one in what appears to be a string of football players who are accused of doing physical harm to a family member or acquaintance. Charges were recently filed against Galette after an altercation with a houseguest making him the latest player to hit the spotlight for negative reasons. In response to the latest allegations, Galette says he is scheduled to meet with NFL officials in New York at the end of this month. At that time, the NFL will determine if punishment is necessary for a January domestic violence arrest. The charges, filed after an altercation with a female houseguest, were later dismissed. The NFL's new personal conduct policy says punishments can be given to players even if charges do not result in criminal convictions. The only evidence necessary to hand down punishment is proof that the player engaged in specific conduct. First time offenders are typically suspended for six games. However, Galette says he does not expect any punishment to be handed down. The underlying incident occurred back in January at Galette’s home. According to police reports, Galette and a friend were accused of injuring a woman when she refused to leave Galette's home. Galette reportedly said that the woman was a dancer who spent the night. When the woman would not leave, Galette and a friend forcibly removed her. The woman claimed that she had lived with Galette for at least two years prior to the incident. The case was dismissed after the City Attorney’s Office interviewed four witnesses. A video was also presented that was recorded with Galette’s cellphone. After reviewing the evidence, officials determined the woman did not live at with Galette. In an interesting development, the same woman also filed a civil suit against Galette claiming that Galette had subjected her to three years of sexual, physical and mental abuse. However, the woman never made a criminal complaint to police regarding any of the alleged charges. It was also reported that witnesses were hard to find, the woman was uncooperative and proved difficult to work with. The civil suit is now in limbo after the woman’s attorney withdrew from the case. This year has been marked with many challenges for Galette who hit a career low after suffering a pectoral injury. The Saints' defense has also struggled on the field with the inconsistency and team weaknesses. Despite the recent turmoil, Galette insists he will bounce back. He believes he needs to concentrate more on the bigger picture and getting back in line with his team. His legal and personal challenges have only served to help him increase his focus and work harder. On a positive note, Galette recently confirmed that his pectoral injury will not require surgery and he is hoping to be recovered in time for the preseason.
Galette Meets With NFL Over Domestic Violence Charges