The NFL and CBS created a stir on Thursday, when they cut their scheduled pre-game programming for the opening show of the season, instead opting to have a serious discussion about domestic violence. The network was planning to play “We Run This Town,” a Jay Z song featuring Rihanna, followed by a comedy sketch featuring Don Cheedle. CBS Sports chairman Sean McMannus says they worried that would not set the “appropriate tone” needed following the release of a video showing Ravens player punching his wife in an elevator.

McManus explained before the broadcast,  “A lot of the production elements we wanted in the show are being eliminated,” due to the different direction they chose to take. Some speculated that the network feared that viewers would associate Rihanna in particular with domestic violence, because of the brutal attack she endured in 2009 at the hands of then boyfriend Chris Brown.

The show that did air included host James Brown imploring viewers and NFL insiders alike to confront the issue of domestic violence. “Let’s be clear,” the host said, “This problem is bigger than football.” He went on to say that while it is appropriate that there has been “intense and widespread outrage” following the release of the video, which lead to the indefinite suspension of Rice – we should broaden our focus to the larger problem of violence against women. “Wouldn’t it be productive,” he asked, “If this collective outrage could be channeled to truly hear and address the long suffering cries for help by so many women?”

Brown went on to say that the effort should start with, “an ongoing, comprehensive education of men about what healthy, respectful manhood is all about.” He went on to say that comments such as “you throw the ball like a girl,” and “you’re a little sissy,” reflect “an attitude that devalues women,” which needs to change. The host  concluded with a call to men “to stand up and take responsibility…because our silence is deafening, and deadly.”