NFL players to fight digital dating abuse

NEW YORK, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- The National Football League Players Association has joined Family Violence Prevention Fund to stop digital dating abuse, the union said Thursday.

The NFLPA and the FVPF have launched a national public service advertising campaign designed to help teens recognize online dating abuse and prevent it from happening with e-cards called "That's Not Cool."

The campaign invites teens to create their own "Callout Cards" that can be used to raise awareness of teen dating abuse and win cool prizes, with the grand prize winner receiving a trip to Washington to attend players' gala later this year.

The groups estimate nearly 70,000 Web site visitors each month, mostly teens, send e-cards to their friends and dating partners.

The campaign focuses on teens ages 13-18 and will run until March 15.

"We are hopeful that the support of our players will bring additional awareness to this very critical issue," Teri Patterson, special counsel to the NFLPA's executive director, said.