Forsaking Pro Football: Why I’m Quitting Roger Goodell’s NFL

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on stage during the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

I missed Sunday’s Pittsburgh Steelers opener against the Cleveland Browns, as I had a work commitment at the same time.

I was disappointed at first, but four days later, I’m glad I occupied my time in other ways.

Why? Because I’m quitting the NFL.

That’s my reaction to the brazen deception with which the league has handled the Ray Rice domestic violence situation. I simply can’t be a party to Roger Goodell’s circus anymore.

And you know what? The NFL’s not going to miss me. The league has become a terrifying monolith, capable of printing money and creating its own truths. It will continue to thrive without me aboard, but I don’t care.

Under Goodell’s leadership, the league has shown remarkable contempt for its audience, and I feel like a sucker for consuming NFL content. I cannot in good conscience devote any more of my time and energy to American pro football.

Yes, as my wife Jillian wrote earlier today, we are more passionate about domestic violence awareness and education than most people, and for good reason.

Yes, it will be difficult to say goodbye to the NFL, in particular the Steelers. Although I prefer hockey and baseball to football, the Steelers have been responsible for countless fond memories, including the first championship I celebrated as a sports fan.

Yes, I realize that other leagues and sports aren’t perfect, but I have to draw the line here. The NFL spat on our faces, much like Rice spat on his fiancee’s face just before knocking her unconscious.

In my managing role with City of Champions, I’ll continue to edit stories on the Steelers and the rest of the league. However, you will not be seeing my name attached to anything NFL related.

How long will my boycott last? Definitely until the league overhauls its leadership, starting with the commissioner. But maybe I’ll stay away beyond that point.

All I know is that Thursday night will be a baseball night in the Gajtka household.