The NFL announced Thursday that it will institute stiffer penalties for players who commit domestic violence

In a letter to the owners of the team, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodall said that the penalty for a first offense is a six-game ban under the personal conduct policy. Players who commit a second offense will be banned for life. ProFootballTalk Twitter that the new policy was announced domestic violence without the participation of the Association of NFL players. According to Albert Breer of NFL Network, Goodell can "act unilaterally" in the new penalties against domestic violence, as it is under the personal conduct policy in the league.

The NFL was criticized after giving Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice suspended for two games following an arrest for domestic violence during the offseason. Back in February, Rice allegedly beat her then boyfriend, Janay Palmer, during an altercation in an elevator casino in Atlantic City. Surveillance video showed him apparently unconscious dragging a elevator Palmer.

In the letter, Goodell admitted that he got the wrong punishment Rice.

"My disciplinary decision led the public to question our sincerity, our commitment, and if we understand that the number of domestic violence because so many families," Goodell wrote, through USA Today Sports. "I take responsibility of both the decision and ensure that our actions in the future adequately reflect our values. Well I do not understand. Simply put, we must do better. And we will."