Football fans react to NFL recent problems with players

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- While many fans focused on a win like the Texans' today, inescapable for teams across the nation is the turmoil rocking the National Football League.

It's not what's happening on the field, but behind closed doors and most infamously, captured on camera.

"Whenever you're in the spotlight, you're making all sorts of money, and a lot of other people look up to you, there's a certain example you gotta set," said Texans fan Arnaldo Perez.

Three players across three teams -- the Panthers' Greg Hardy, the Vikings' Adrian Peterson, and former Ravens' player Ray Rice -- all tied together by accusations of domestic violence.

"I think the way they should handle it is zero tolerance for that because there's thousands of people that would love to be in their position," said Texans fan Ricardo Rodriguez.

Texans fans are reacting with mixed emotions about the growing scandal.

"It makes you lose interest in the players you had confidence in," said Texans fan Imy Dixson.

On Sunday, the Panthers benched Hardy, who was convicted of assaulting an ex-girlfriend. On Saturday, Peterson turned himself in Montgomery County, facing a child abuse charge.

Monday, the NFL suspended Rice indefinitely after TMZ Sports released elevator video showing him knocking out his now-wife, Janay Rice.

"In the midst of this incredible conversation about domestic violence, in the worst scandal in the history of professional sports, the NFL doesn't get it right," said USA Today sports columnist Christine Brennan.

As pressure mounts for more assertive action by the league, some just want to see a game they love, played without distraction.

"They look too much into the personal lives. I mean they're here to play football, not to show their personal outside lives," said Texans fan Natalie Sanchez.

The alleged actions are sparking a larger conversation about domestic violence's ugly footing in our society.

"My feeling is that it's a national problem, it's not an NFL problem. It's national. And unfortunately these professional men have to become the centerpiece for this topic," said Texans fan Linda Gundy.

As you're heard, a lot of different opinions about what's the right direction for the league.

ESPN is reporting Ray plans to appeal his suspension. Certainly, a whole lot more to this story will be coming later this week.