Pro Football and Domestic Violence: A Four Region Replication

• In Event: Policing, Domestic Violence, and Football

Abstract

Looking at five categories of arrest rates, a statistically significant increase in arrests was found on game days for the Philadelphia Eagles (beginning at kick-off), as compared to 69 other theoretically constructed days of the year (Adubato, 2016). The numbers were higher for away games than for home games, ruling out the effect of stadium violence. Replicating the methodology in Chicago, we found conflicting and confounding results. This four region study will take the same methodology and compare rates for four cities with NFL teams, to see if there is or is not a relationship between watching pro football on television and domestic violence incidents.

Authors

• Beth Ellen Adubato, St. Peter's University

• Nicole Marie Sachs, Rutgers University