ABSTRACT
By now, most sports fans have heard that National Football League (NFL) running back Ray Rice has been released by the Baltimore Ravens and been indefinitely suspended by the NFL. Supported by his wife, Rice avoided trial by entering an intervention program for first-time offenders. Nevertheless, the NFL came under fire when it issued Rice just a two-game suspension. And the criticism increased after a second video that allegedly showed Rice knocking out his wife was published. Character has often been described as the difference-maker in sports, business and life. It has just taken organizations a long time to start coming to terms with that conclusion. League officials, team owners and management should make it clear that it is a privilege to play pro sports. And good character is the ticket to the game. True leaders understand they are "always on" and lead by example because people learn by observing what is considered important and valued by organizations and society.
