National Organization for women calls for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to resign

FILE - in this March 26, 2014, file photo, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell answers questions during a news conference in Orlando, Fla. Goodell says the league asked for, but was not given, a just-released video showing former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice hitting his then-fiancee on an elevator. Goodell says during an interview with CBS aired Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2014: "We assumed that there was a video. We asked for video. But we were never granted that opportunity." (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) (The Associated Press)

One of the country's largest feminist groups has called for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to resign.

The National Organization for Women says the NFL has "a violence-against-women problem" and "the only way to restore honor and integrity to the country's most lucrative and popular pastime" is for Goodell to step down.

NOW says the league should appoint an independent investigator to look into violence against women, sexual assault and stalking. The NFL has been criticized for its handling of the domestic violence case involving Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens.

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello says the league appreciates the concern and it has "already initiated steps with the help of outside experts to strengthen our policies and programs on domestic violence and sexual assault."

According to tax returns submitted by the NFL, Goodell made more than $44 million in 2012 and the league's revenues approached $10 billion.