Packers react to NFL abuse allegations

Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy hasn't ignored the recent issues involving NFL players when speaking with his players.

The NFL has juggled multiple abuse allegations since the season began. When asked Wednesday, McCarthy said those matters have been addressed inside the Packers locker room.

"I feel strongly any time you have anything happen in society, or particularly in our league, it brings a focus, whether it's within or from the outside," McCarthy said. "It's important to check your mail. We've definitely done that. We've talked about it as football team."

The Carolina Panthers placed defensive end Greg Hardy on the exempt list Wednesday after he was found guilty of assaulting his former girlfriend. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was also placed on the exempt list Wednesday after being arrested in Texas on charges of beating his 4-year-old son.

Those developments came after running back Ray Rice was cut by the Baltimore Ravens and suspended indefinitely for punching then-fiancee Janay Rice, who he later married.

"It's disappointing because I think there's so many good things our players are doing that can get overshadowed by the mistakes of a few of us," Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said Wednesday. "It's a reminder our game is very important and very popular. We represent a lot of people every time we're out-and-about, or every time we're on the field or in the facility. We have to think about the people whose lives we can touch and we can make worse by our actions.

"It's been a good reminder the last couple weeks."

While McCarthy spoke with the team, Packers linebacker Clay Matthews said it hasn't been a point of constant discussion.

"Obviously, just because we've managed to steer clear of all that," Matthews said. "But if you take anything away from that, it's just, act like a responsible adult."