PepsiCo issues statement on NFL’s handling of violence cases

Purchase-based PepsiCo Inc. is the latest sponsor of the National Football League to issue a statement expressing concern over the league”™s handling of recent incidences of domestic violence involving its players.

In a statement issued Wednesday, PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi said she found the recent behavior of certain NFL players “repugnant” and that the NFL”™s handling of player discipline regarding these incidents “is casting a cloud over the integrity of the league.”

“The reality for Commissioner (Roger) Goodell and the NFL is that they now have an opportunity to effect positive change with the situation presented to them,” Nooyi said. “I urge them to seize this moment.”

The NFL has faced major pressure from sponsors regarding its handling of domestic violence incidents involving NFL players. Fedex, Anheuser-Busch and Verizon have all issued statements expressing concern. Radisson pulled its sponsorship of the Minnesota Vikings over the team”™s handling of Vikings running back Adrian Peterson”™s indictment on child abuse charges.

Earlier this month, TMZ released a video from inside an elevator at the Revel Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, N.J., that showed Baltimore Ravens running back and New Rochelle native Ray Rice knocking his then-fiancee Janay Palmer unconscious with a left-handed punch to the face. Rice had previously been suspended by the league for two games over the incident but was suspended indefinitely and had his contract with the Ravens terminated in the wake of the video”™s release.