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Although I write about sports for a living, the subject matter is not always restricted to games people play.

Consider the reports of football players committing violent acts against women — the most recent example being that of running back Kareem Hunt.

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Hunt was quickly released by the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs after TMZ circulated a video of him shoving and kicking a woman during a February confrontation at a luxury hotel in Cleveland. (Hunt has not been charged with a criminal offence.)

There is also the example of former Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive back Justin Cox, who is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

Why, I wondered, have situations such as the aforementioned become so common in the pro football world?

“I’m sure there are many factors, including the traditional ‘macho’ attitude and behaviour that is known to be part of football and other sports at all levels,” replied Regina Transition House executive director Stephanie Taylor, who also cited “the belief of some pro athletes that they are above the law and would not face the same criticism from the public or their employers as a ‘regular’ person would.