Adrian Peterson & Ray Rice: After NFL Child Abuse & Elevator Assault Should Running Backs Be Banned For Life?

The NFL simply cannot seem to get out of the headlines for all of the wrong reasons. At the present moment of time, the entire sport is being portrayed as a host to violent thugs. Two of the best running backs in the game in Adrian Peterson and Ray Rice have done themselves, or the league, no favours either, dominating the headlines for child abuse and an elevator assault. Rice has been cut by the Baltimore Ravens, while Peterson looks set to stay with the Minnesota Vikings, but should either play ever play another game in the NFL again?

Rice attacked his wife-to-be in an elevator, but the NFL and its fans were just coming to terms with this shocking event when it was revealed that Peterson had issues to resolve. The RB allegedly hit his son with a tree branch, and early Saturday morning Peterson handed himself in to the police authorities.

The NFL star supposedly punished his son after he pushed one of his siblings off of a game, however, pictures have been released, showing horrific marks and cuts from the assault. It seems like Peterson may (deservingly) receive a huge ban for this season, but as many are asking, should he be allowed to play in the NFL again? Also, with the Vikings already close to cutting ties with him (because of his age), will this prove to be the final straw?

Can these two stars ever be forgiven, and how can the NFL become a non-violent sport?