Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice will be suspended two games by the NFL.
Rice was involved in an altercation with his then-fiancee (now wife) Janay Palmer at an Atlantic City casino in February. Both were arrested on simple assault charges, but Rice was indicted on aggravated assault. He has since entered a court program that could lead to the dismissal of the charge.
He will miss the first two games of the season against the Bengals and Steelers. Both games are at home.
RAVENS STATEMENTS ON RAY RICE
General Manager and Executive Vice President Ozzie Newsome:
“We appreciate the thorough process the league office used to evaluate the incident with Ray Rice. The time the Commissioner spent with Ray and Janay is typical of the extra steps the NFL takes when making decisions regarding discipline issues. While not having Ray for the first two games is significant to our team, we respect the league’s decision and believe it is fair.
“We also respect the efforts Ray has made to become the best partner and father he can be. That night was not typical of the Ray Rice we know and respect. We believe that he will not let that one night define who he is, and he is determined to make sure something like this never happens again.”
RB Ray Rice:
“It is disappointing that I will not be with my teammates for the first two games of the season, but that’s my fault. As I said earlier, I failed in many ways. But, Janay and I have learned from this. We have become better as a couple and as parents. I am better because of everything we have experienced since that night. The counseling has helped tremendously.
“My goal is to earn back the trust of the people, especially the children, I let down because of this incident. I am a role model and I take that responsibility seriously. My actions going forward will show that.”
Courtesy of the Baltimore Ravens