Regina Rams Man Up against violence

Two Regina Rams football players are hoping their role in an anti-violence campaign will reduce negative stereotypes.

Quarterbacks Noah Picton and Cayman Shutter are participating in "Man Up Against Violence". 

The campaign wants men to take more responsibility for domestic violence.

Picton said they got involved to be good role models.

"Whenever you hear about domestic violence incidents that involve the sport of football, it may not be a surprise to people," Picton said. "Just another football player or just another guy in the NFL. We want to get rid of that and we want to make sure that people know who we are as individuals."

Events are ongoing throughout the rest of the week, including a keynote address tomorrow evening by writer and filmmaker Jackson Katz. 

Shutter said the campaign comes at a crucial time, in light of recent high profile incidents of domestic violence involving professional athletes.

"You know, I thought this was such a good idea to get in front of it and sort of take the initiative. I think that's what Man Up is all about," he said. 

Rams coach Frank McCrystal said it makes him proud when players are involved in community initiatives.