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Professional Sports Scrutinized For Their Domestic Violence Programs

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Hoping for a second chance, Ray Rice opened up about hitting his wife and, for the first time, talks about returning to the NFL. But now there's a question about whether professional sports leagues are doing enough to stop the problem of domestic violence.

Jessica Kartalija has more.

Top executives from the NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball faced questions about what they are doing to stop domestic violence.

"Professional sports, with very few exceptions, have done little to hold those who commit these crimes accountable," said Senator Claire McCaskill.

Video of former Baltimore Raven Ray Rice put the spotlight on domestic violence.

"As a father of two daughters, I found the graphic security camera footage of running back Ray Rice and his then-fiancee to be sickening," said Senator John Thune.

Former NFL player Troy Vincent now works for the league and says it was initially too lenient on Rice. For him, this issue is personal.

"Domestic violence was a way of life in our home growing up," he said. "I relate to the 20 million victims---survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse---in every community across our great nation."

All four leagues say they're changing policies, including education for players.

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