Two members of Congress have proposed legislation that calls for a national campaign against domestic violence that would be spearheaded by athletes. But some sports organizations, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), believe the legislation unfairly suggests athletes have a propensity to engage in violence against women.

The legislation by Congresswoman Connie Morella (R-Md.) and Congressman Bernard Sanders (I-Vt.) also calls for a national summit and a multifaceted strategy involving professional and amateur sports organizations in combating domestic violence and sexual assaults. Part of the strategy would include counseling for athletes, strong disciplinary action when needed, and a public education and advertising campaign.

"Sports play such an important, positive role in our society and in the education of our children. Its stars are our children's heroes and role models and our national icons," Morella said, explaining her reason for introducing the legislation. But, she added, the media is constantly full of reports of athletes accused of domestic violence.

"Just as athletes have taken a strong stand in fighting drug and alcohol abuse," she said, "isn't it time for them to step up to the plate and take a strong stand on violence against women?"

Sanders, using similar reasoning, explained, "This legislation addresses three realities of American society: one, that we have an epidemic of domestic violence; two, that America, for better or worse, has a fascination with sports, from the Olympics to the Super Bowl to the Final Four; [and] three, that professional and collegiate athletes are viewed as sports heroes by America's youth.

"Sports leaders, as role models, are often emulated both on and off the field, and we are asking that our national and collegiate sports leaders make it a top priority to help publicly condemn domestic violence and sexual assault and join us in a national awareness campaign," Sanders continued. "As role models, these sports leaders can send a strong message that rough and tumble, hard-nosed competitions stops when players leave the field and that there is no excuse for domestic violence."