Every week, on average, two athletes are arrested on charges they beat up their wives or girlfriends.

That staggering number -provided by the associated press – has nothing to do with the colour of their skin or the sport they play. It’s a matter of shocking frequency, which generates the perception that athletes are hot-headed maniacs who are more prone than other “normal’ men to hit their wives or girlfriends.

That perception is, unfortunately, wrong.

Over the weekend I asked a QOD regarding leagues getting involved in the punishment of domestic abusers because it’s been on my mind a lot lately.

Recently a good friend of mine fell victim to this same cowardly act. She’s fine – physically anyway. He’s out of the house, facing assault charges, and trying to figure out how he’s ever going to see his kids again. Her is also nothing close to a famous athlete.

He’s nothing special.

To say the least.

And that staggering number up there? That’s about an average number per capita both in Canada and the United States for this crime.

So why should the leagues get involved in something that is an everyman problem?

Besides the obvious image problems these highly publicized arrests present, the fact that it is an everyman issue is exactly why the leagues should act. Charles Barkley be damned, these players – creeps or not – are role models. And their skating above the law and getting off with high priced lawyers is showing Joe Schmoe that brutality and a breaking the law is doable.

A message that the common man learns is simply not true. So there should be ancillary punishment instituted by their employers built into the CBA’s.

The NFL (typical huh?) recognizes that “violent and/or criminal activity is unacceptable and constitutes conduct detrimental to the integrity of and public confidence in” the league. If a player is charged with a violent crime, he must undergo clinical evaluation and, if directed, counselling.

If convicted, he is subject to a fine or suspension without pay. Since the league’s policy went into effect in 2000, six players have been suspended for domestic violence – five for one game – one, for two.

Athletes should know that if they hit their wives or girlfriends, they would pay a price that goes beyond a slap on the wrist. It’s good for them, it’s great for their wives and it’s good for us.

So wouldn’t it be in everyone’s best interest for every league in sports to institute a year’s ban for a first offence and a permanent ban for a second?

You do the crime – you face some serious punishment.

The guy who hit my friend is a sports fan. Maybe he would have received that message as well.

And maybe tonight he wouldn’t be trying to find a new place to live.