NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin penned a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday advocating full-support of the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2017.
The letter, sent to Judiciary Committee Chairman and Senator Charles Grassley, Minority Whip and Senator Richard Durbin, Senator Mike Lee and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, spoke on behalf of the piece of legislation that would most notably reform sentencing laws and correctional institutions.
"The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act would address many of the issues on which our players have worked to raise awareness of over the last two seasons," the letter read. "This bill would seek to improve public safety, increase rehabilitation and strengthen families. If enacted, it would be a positive next step in our collective efforts to move our nation forward."
The bill would reduce and restrict enhanced sentencing for prior drug felonies, instate mandatory minimum sentences for domestic violence offenses and create a minimum term of imprisonment for providing assistance to terrorists or involvement with weapons of mass destruction.
The bill also details recovery programs to prevent drug and alcohol dependence and promote successful reentry into society.
The letter is a visible step the NFL and players are taking to promote action action after over a year of players kneeling during the playing of the national anthem in protest of police brutality and social injustice in the United States.
Baldwin, along with Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett, was one of several players to participate in a CNN Town Hall in September and answer questions about NFL protests and what players wanted to change.
“When the hometowns of our players or the 32 communities in which our clubs are located are hurting - whether from natural disasters or those that are man-made - so too are our teams,” the letter read. “And like most Americans, our owners, players, coaches and clubs spring into action to help. Over the last two seasons, one particular issue that has come to the forefront for our players and our teams is the issue of justice for all.”
The letter was also sent to key leaders in the House of Representatives like Speaker Paul Ryan, majority leader Mitch McConnell, Chair of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee Chuck Schumer, minority leader Nancy Pelosi and Dianne Feinstein.
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