Last night, Floyd Mayweather dominated Manny Pacquiao in the heavily anticipated super-fight. Before the fight, the story that dominated the news was Mayweather’s history with domestic abuse. It shined a light on this nationwide epidemic and showed that no matter what your social, economic status is, it can affect your life.
He has had several run-ins with the law involving domestic violence. In 2001, he allegedly struck the mother of one of his children in the face with a car door, as well as punched her face numerous times. The fighter was charged with two counts of domestic battery. He pleaded guilty in March 2002 to those counts. Under the plea agreement he struck with prosecutors, Mayweather got a suspended six-month jail sentence, a $3,000 fine, 48 hours of community service and two days of house arrest. He was found guilty on two counts of domestic battery, after attacking two women at a Las Vegas nightclub. He received a suspended six-month prison sentence for that as well. Mayweather also got a $500 fine for each count, and community service. Back in 2010, he was arrested for attacking the mother of his three children at home. His oldest son called the police after Mayweather punched the mother on her head. He pleaded no contest and served two months of his 90 day prison sentence.
But not everyone accused of domestic abuse has Mayweather’s power, money and influence. When you are just an “average joe” or “average jane”, the consequences of a conviction for domestic violence can be staggering. These legal punishments can include jail time, the loss of the right to enter your own home, and the loss of your right to see your children.
