About a year ago, former Baltimore Ravens running back who punched his fiancee in an elevator and has since then been at the center of a “swirling controversy over domestic violence” in the N.F.L., apologized for his behavior Friday. It has been almost precisely a year after he punched his wife Janay Palmer in an elevator in a hotel in Atlantic City. After charges against Rice were dropped in favor of court-supervised counseling, the N.F.L. in July suspended Rice for two games, triggering national debate and some outrage.
In September a graphic video from inside the elevator was published. Roger Goddell, the league’s commissioner, suspended Rice indefinitely. The N.F.L. has seen issues like this as an embarrassment because they portray inconsistency in N.F.L. policy and standards.
The Ravens, who had initially supported Rice, terminated his contract after the video was released.
“To all the kids who looked up to me, I’m truly sorrry for letting you down, but I hope it’s helped you learn that one bad decision can turn your dream into a nightmare.”
“There is no excuse for domestic violence, and I apologize for the horrible mistake I made. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, and I hope to make a positive difference in people’s lives by raising awareness of this issue.” Rice said in a statement published by The Baltimore Sun.
I think domestic abuse is an all time NO. Nothing could possibly make that acceptable in any shape or form. I especially have some sort of rage towards cowardly men who lay their hands on women. Women are physically not capable of being as strong as men. Unfortunately things like this continue to happen, but at least the NFL acted seeking justice for the future.
Anthony_Hester • Apr 17, 2015 at 7:24 pm
I think Ray Rice is trying to fix his mistake if this apology is actually his idea and he wasn’t forced to apologize. Because he is a man and no man should ever lay his hands on a female. So what he did was completely unnecessary. especially when you think about how many kids look up to him and think what he did was OK.
Doug • Feb 27, 2015 at 10:09 am
Domestic violence is tough on women. I feel empathy for every women who is victim of domestic violence. The suspension of Ray Rice is okay but not as harsh as it should be. Hopefully he’ll learn his lesson and show everyone else waht could happen when they abuse their partners. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2OcKQ_mbiQ
Nick07 • Feb 24, 2015 at 2:39 pm
Ray Rice defintely went against policy and committed an act of abuse. He will learn his lesson from this and hopefully will return to the NFL in the near future. He is a great athlete but not a great man, this will straighten him up.
lex • Feb 23, 2015 at 2:26 pm
Hitting a women is the most repulsive thing a man can do, but we all make mistakes and we are capable of making things better. I think Ray Rice deserves another chance at continuing to do what he likes but he not only should have apologized to his fans but especially to his ex fiance. Perhaps that will show he is trying got be a better man.
Infumous • Feb 22, 2015 at 7:35 pm
I believe Rae Rice has learned from his mistake and I believe he should be able to play football again. The NFL needs a player like Rae Rice, if Chris Brown was accepted back into the music industry then I am sure the NFL can make some adjustments and allow Rae Rice to get back on the field.
VMU • Feb 19, 2015 at 2:18 pm
This man said sorry to his fans but nothing to his wife that he hit. All people and more famous people who are always with pressure lose control and violence can happen. Everyone knows that is not right, but we are humans and we are not perfect. People who have issues controlling themselves, they have to look for help before its too late Domestic violence can become a very bad habit.
alexskates59 • Feb 19, 2015 at 2:07 pm
I think all punishment to Ray Rice was necessary, they even should of terminated in contract earlier. It is good to be aware of these things so we can prevent future incidents from happening or atleast learn how to handle them better.