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Yesterday attorney Gloria Allred called a press conference to expose a domestic violence cover up by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the Denver Broncos. At the center of the cover up was current Chicago Bears wide receiver and former Bronco Brandon Marshall.
Earlier today Marshall met the media with a 12 page handout documenting his past, a past that Marshall has never run from and a past that he felt the need to address again today. The handout was full of stuff that has been public record for several years.
At the press conference Marshall talked about his household growing up, being raised by a mother that was abused physically, emotionally and sexually. The abuse contributed to his mother becoming an alcoholic. Marshall
Marshall: "Domestic violence is serious. I saw how it affected my mother."
— Jeff Dickerson (@ESPNChiBears) September 18, 2014
He saw how it affected his family and he saw how it affected this generation.
Brandon Marshall: "What I am disgusted over … it’s really a condition of our hearts as people. It’s how we treat each other."
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) September 18, 2014
Marshall also expressed anger over the ESPN E:60 special that aired on Monday. He was told it would be about his foundation and his efforts to raise awareness for mental heath, and it was none of that.
"I try not to get defensive, but I am. ESPN shot that two years ago and acted like it was shot today. It pissed me off."
Marshall: "What's upsetting is somebody can sit in my living room and look me in eye...and use your story to sensationalize. Time to stop.''
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) September 18, 2014
He asked ESPN for an apology and asked them to apologize to his wife.
Marshall recounts a meeting he had with Roger Goodell.
Marshall expresses respect for Goodell, talks about meeting with him as a player in trouble and one promoting mental health awareness.
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) September 18, 2014
Marshall said Goodell sat with him and Troy VIncent, and Goodell asked Marshall "How can I help these guys (Gordon, Bess, Rice)?"
— dan durkin (@djdurkin) September 18, 2014
Marshall says he believes in second chances.
Marshall: "I didn't say I believe in the indefinite ban. I believe in second chances. I just want the process to play itself out."
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 18, 2014
Some of what Marshall revealed in his handout was directly related to the Allred press conference from yesterday.
Marshall references letter from former girlfriend in packet, claiming she was forced "into doing this for money.''
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) September 18, 2014
1 letter to Goodell from Watley: "I wil let you know he never hurt me or hit me. I was pressured ..."
— Michael C. Wright (@mikecwright) September 18, 2014
For more on the press conference you can check out SB Nation and the Chicago Tribune.