Mercedes Sands, who was married to Robert Sands, a former safety for the Cincinnati Bengals, and Brandie Underwood, who was married to Brandon Underwood, a former Green Bay Packers player, in an interview with the New York Times described the abusive relationship they had with their husbands and how they felt trapped. “In part because of each team’s close-knit culture and a protocol that emphasized avoiding disruptions,” according to NYTimes.
It was better to endure indignities like infidelity, other wives told them, and to keep quiet even if the hostility in their marriages seemed unbearable than to cause a ruckus that could upend the success and harmony of the team. –NYTimes
Ms. Sands described her situation with Mr. Sands and how “no one was there” when she needed help.
She was calling them to ask for help. Her husband had cleared out their joint checking account and canceled her credit card, leaving her alone in their home with no money. During the final weeks of her pregnancy, she said, she relied on food stamps and church handouts.- NY Times
Ms. Underwood felt like there were times when she wanted to call the police but she didn’t for fear of jeopardizing her husband’s career.
She said she felt she had nowhere to turn. “You don’t really know who to call,” she said. “They are more worried about protecting a team’s name or player than a wife.” – NY Times
Brian McCarthy, an N.F.L. spokesman, said teams had offered a variety of resources to players or family members for years, including references for counseling services. In 2012, as part of its wellness program, the league launched the N.F.L. Life Line, a free, confidential phone consultation service to assist current and former players, as well as coaches and family members, who needed help. – NYTimes
Mr. Sands said in a phone interview with the New York Times that, “(his) hands were never put on her” and “the only thing was restraining her from hitting (him) and pulling (his) hair.”
Mr. Underwood’s team, Calgary Stampeders, spokesman, said Mr. Underwood declined to comment.
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Source | Photo Credit: New York Times
