Former Bronco Answers Domestic Abuse Allegations

DENVER (CBS4) - The ex-girlfriend of a former Denver Broncos player said Thursday the NFL didn't do enough when she accused him of domestic violence in 2008.

"The Denver Broncos had knowledge of Brandon Marshall's abusive behavior towards our daughter for two and a half years," Clarence Watley, the father of Marshall's former girlfriend, Rasheedah Watley, said during a news conference.

Clarence Watley appeared with noted discrimination attorney Gloria Allred and another woman, Kristeena Spivey, who called herself Rasheedah Watley's best friend.

Allred called for the resignation of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and said the league needs to do more to protect women and punish offenders.

"It is time for the sham investigations to end," she said.

Marshall was arrested but acquitted of domestic violence and battery charges stemming from incidents in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

He later spoke to Chicago media on Thursday for nearly a half hour. He admitted past mistakes and said he supports Goodell.

"Domestic violence is wrong," he said. "I hate to bring up someone else's name, but the Ray Rice case is terrible. The things I have been through in the past are terrible. I believe there should be consequences. I believe in the six-game suspension and being suspended indefinitely. Maybe that would've been me."

The NFL and Goodell in recent weeks have faced harsh criticism of how they've handled domestic violence cases, most notably the perceived weak punishment of Rice, a former Baltimore Ravens player who punched his wife and knocked her unconscious. Rice initially received a two-game suspension until a video showing the punch aired. Goodell then suspended Rice indefinitely and the Ravens cut him.

Marshall's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, said the current Chicago Bears player shouldn't be used as a "stepping stone" by someone trying to gain attention. He also said accusations of violence should be handled in the courts.

"When did the NFL become the substitute for the justice system?" Steinberg said.

The Broncos also released a statement on Thursday: "This issue from more than seven years ago involving a former player was taken very seriously by our organization, which firmly believes that violence of any type against women is wrong."

Marshall was suspended in 2008 for three games for violating the league's personal conduct policy. But that was later cut to one week. He played for the Broncos from 2006 to 2009.