NEW YORK -- Acknowledging he "didnt get it right" with a two-game suspension for Ravens running back Ray Rice, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced tougher penalties for players accused of domestic violence, including six weeks for a first offence and at least a year for a second. In a letter and memo sent to all 32 teams owners Thursday, and obtained by The Associated Press, Goodell never mentions Rice by name but makes clear references to the Baltimore player who allegedly hit the woman who is now his wife. Goodell told teams to distribute his memo to all players on their rosters and to post it in locker rooms. It reads in part: "Domestic violence and sexual assault are wrong. They are illegal. They are never acceptable and have no place in the NFL under any circumstances." The memo says that violations of the leagues personal conduct policy "regarding assault, battery, domestic violence and sexual assault that involve physical force will be subject to enhanced discipline." The NFL Players Association said it had been informed of the increased punishments. "As we do in all disciplinary matters, if we believe that players due process rights are infringed upon during the course of discipline, we will assert and defend our members rights," the union statement said. The personal conduct policy is not subject to collective bargaining with the players union, and the commissioner has leeway to impose punishments for such off-field violations. An initial domestic violence offence will draw a six-week ban without pay, although the memo says "more severe discipline will be imposed if there are aggravating circumstances such as the presence or use of a weapon, choking, repeated striking, or when the act is committed against a pregnant woman or in the presence of a child." A second offence will result in banishment from the league, but a player will be allowed to petition for reinstatement after a year. "There is no assurance that the petition will be granted," the memo says. The punishment for Rice drew plenty of attention, including from Congress. Numerous groups that advocate for women and families criticized the penalty as too lenient. Rices suspension begins Saturday, about six months after grainy video showed him dragging his then-fiancee off a casino elevator. Rice has never said exactly what happened in the elevator; he has said his actions were "totally inexcusable." "My disciplinary decision led the public to question our sincerity, our commitment, and whether we understood the toll that domestic violence inflicts on so many families. I take responsibility both for the decision and for ensuring that our actions in the future properly reflect our values," Goodell wrote. "I didnt get it right. Simply put, we have to do better. And we will." Goodells letter notes other steps the league will take to "strengthen our policies on domestic violence and sexual assault," including efforts to educate all NFL employees on the subject. Derrick Kelly Jersey . This week, topics cover the Blue Jays rotation, the futures John Gibbons and Alex Anthopoulos, protecting pitchers and a bonus question on his predictions for the MLB playoffs. Devine Ozigbo Jersey . A better question yet may be this: How many times has the same player been involved in both? Morneau hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning and helped the Colorado Rockies turn the third triple play in team history as they beat the San Diego Padres 8-6 on Sunday. http://www.cheapsaintsjerseyselite.com/?tag=cheap-teddy-bridgewater-jersey . - Chicago Bears general manager Phil Emery was so busy in free agency he didnt mind having a few extra weeks to prepare for the draft. Simmie Cobbs Jersey . "Yeah, [I heard them]," he said. "They made me miss the free throw." A year ago, Lowrys post-game antics may not have been so well received but what was snide and snarky is now endearing quick wit. Michael Thomas Jersey .Y. - The Buffalo Sabres reassigned forward Sam Reinhart to the WHLs Kootenay Ice on Friday.BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres have suspended newly acquired defenceman Rostislav Klesla for failing to report to the teams AHL affiliate in Rochester. The Sabres announced the move Sunday, a day after Klesla told Canadian broadcaster TSN that he intended to not finish the NHL season, and instead planned to continue his career in Europe. Buffalo acquired Klesla and goalie Michal Neuvirtth in a trade Wednesday that sent goalie Jaroslav Halak and a third-round draft pick to Washington.dddddddddddd The Capitals had