Merged: Ray Rice Released and Suspended

[GrimCoconut]

Well, the good news is last time we had drama like this at this level was Ray Lewis who never lived it down but they're certainly a distinct difference between domestic violence and obstruction of justice regarding a murder. We did win our season opener, though. Not making light of a terrible situation but hey, maybe some good will come from this as Lewis became a better person for his mistake.

[flynismo]

I'm totally disgusted by the New Jersey court system. Why does this thug get a plea bargain?

Honestly, I don't have a problem with that. As long as the crime isn't too serious, I think first time offenders should be given the chance to redeem themselves. And simple assault is nothing to brag about, but it isn't like he raped or killed anyone either.

 

I still support Ray Rice the person and the player. I wish him nothing but the best. His actions just make me sick.

[JO_75]

Don't get me wrong, Forsett looked great, but to say he's proven to be the capable starter is a bit early, no?

 

It is early. All I know is that the video makes it easy for us to release Rice, and I hope the NFL allows us to escape the cap penalties from releasing Rice. It seems so strange this video didn't get released until now. Days before the Ravens are in a primetime game? That's a little suspicious TMZ would wait months to show it. Either way, the video was released and now the next step is to release Rice. 

[SomeCreepinaVan]

Some of you guys just make laugh, "I'll never wear my purple and black jersey again." Good riddance.

[flynismo]

No they are here to entertain us. That's what the business is built on, entertaining. If moral issues interfere with our entertainment then something needs to happen.  

Are you feeling okay? You just agreed with me on something.

[TheRavenouseD2008]

I can't see that happening, but I would like to see them add more to the suspension. I think that saves the Ravens image mostly, and certainly capwise. From the article someone posted with some media sources saying the Ravens had not seen the video, but now that they have, it is in line with what Ray himself had described to them. 

We would recoup cap space based on the CBA conduct rules 

[PerpetuallyBored74]

Wanted to share this because any education on this matter is beneficial:

Strongly recommend you click this link, read the rest of that page and maybe check out the rest of his site too if you're interested in learning about self defense/personal safety (the 2 go hand in hand, you see):
Source: http://www.nononsenseselfdefense.com/get_attacked.htm#face

(Special note to women: Men and women are different psychologically. One of the bigger issues that women tend to be more verbally vicious than men when they fight each other. What we about to tell you is an important safety tip, and that is not hyperbole, we have seen any number of women beaten over what we are about to tell you. A common male behavior is to turn and walk away from a verbal conflict. Simple stated if your man does this, YOU'VE WON! Let him go and don't say anything else until he cools down.

The reason for this -- and this is hard for women to understand because of how they fight with one another -- is when a man does this, he has decided to walk away rather than become physically violent! He isn't sticking an emotional knife into you and running away before you can respond. He's trying NOT to become violent! It is a recognized male behavior to allow for a cooling down period. He doesn't want it to go violent, and by walking away he is trying to avoid it from happening. This is a HUGE gender difference between men and women. And you need to know he isn't insulting you by walking away.)

[flynismo]

At what cost? Have some self-respect.

I have plenty of self respect. I do not need people on TV to raise my kids and be their role model. I have been told many times by many people I am a wonderful father. I do not need the Baltimore Ravens to tell me domestic violence is wrong, I already know that. I do not care about the Ravens' image, as it does not effect my personal life. What does self-respect have to do with anything here?

[5aiah]

The greatest entertainment is winning.

It's not the only entertainment though, or teams would be full of Aaron Hernandezs.

 

Well, the good news is last time we had drama like this at this level was Ray Lewis who never lived it down but they're certainly a distinct difference between domestic violence and obstruction of justice regarding a murder. We did win our season opener, though. Not making light of a terrible situation but hey, maybe some good will come from this as Lewis became a better person for his mistake.

The difference is nothing Rice did is defensible. Ray Lewis did what most men would when his friends got into a life or death situation. Lewis did the honorable thing, Rice the disgusting thing.

[pep_meister]

I don't know how i feel about this... video makes me sick... which action do you go with? Suspend him for the year so his name doesn't show up game day? no way they will be playing him in 2 weeks. its either hes done for the year or just flat out gone.. after last season you guys thought he played bad enough to justifiably be cut. Now this?

[52520Andrew]

Give me a break. They're not here to act like moral police. They're here to win games. If Rice helps them do that, he will remain on the team.

 

They are there to make money, when their PR suffers from something enough, winning doesn't really matter. Look at Incognito last year as an example or Vick.

[BBoogieMan]

Okay, so we're supposing that Goodell never saw this? Really? I don't buy it. Goodell talked to Ray and his then-fiancee, face to face. He received info. from his own investigators, probably the NJ prosecutors, etc...and he came to a decision. Then, he bowed to interest and advocacy groups, congress members...into admitting he erred???? But, he knew everything beforehand! That's crap!! I'm the first to admit what Ray did was a punk-move and if he'd gotten 4-6 games, no problem with it. But, his matter went to the same scrutiny and process of adjudication as all offenses committed by NFL players. It shouldn't be re-visited. The elevator video is the reason is received so much hype. Ray isn't the first nor the last to commit a domestic violence offense. If we saw the video of Big Ben's sexual assault act, Greg Hardy's current offense, Rolando McClain's shenanigans, Stallworth's vehicular manslaughter, any other crime....our public outrage would increase 100 fold. We live in a visual world, it's natural. I get the business end of this, protecting the brand, NFL image, yada yada yada but to meet this case is a wrap. Let it be...

[5aiah]

Are you feeling okay? You just agreed with me on something.

Lulz, we gotta stick together more than ever now.

[funky141]

Honestly, I don't have a problem with that. As long as the crime isn't too serious, I think first time offenders should be given the chance to redeem themselves. And simple assault is nothing to brag about, but it isn't like he raped or killed anyone either.

 

I still support Ray Rice the person and the player. I wish him nothing but the best. His actions just make me sick.

I kinda find that statement a little worry-some. His actions makes you sick but you support him and wish him the best.

[flynismo]

They are there to make money, when their PR suffers from something enough, winning doesn't really matter. Look at Incognito last year as an example or Vick.

Good point. I stand corrected. They are here to make money, winning is just one of the tools to generate income. If Rice helps us win, he helps us make more money, so he will be here until he stops helping us make a buck. And I don't have a problem with that.

[GrimCoconut]

I'm just curious. Does anyone think we'll suspend Ray? I'm not being sarcastic either. I'm asking that legitimately. Does anyone honestly think the Ravens will suspend him any further than he has.

[ravensdfan]

It is clear the video was tampered with in some fashion, frames deleted etc however, it still doesn't sit right with me. I'd not be upset if the Ravens cut him tomorrow.

[Ricecake]

Yahoo! Sports' Dan Wetzel has been "texting with team officials around the NFL," and the belief around the league is that the Ravens will release Ray Rice.

[ratedr]

Absolutely despise Rice right now. And shame on the FO if they saw this video and decided to wrap their arms around him anyway. Did they really think it wouldn't come out. Shameful day to be a Ravens fan.

[ratedr]

Rumors are swirling we're gonna release him.

And what a massive distraction. There is a game on Thursday. I feel so bad for the other players. They need to get rid of Rice, no one player is bigger than the team.

[flynismo]

I kinda find that statement a little worry-some. His actions makes you sick but you support him and wish him the best.

Yeah, I mean, it's not like he's Rolando McClain. This is a one time thing; everyone has screwed up in their lives. I can't speak for you, but me, I have no idea where I would be in life if I were not given 2nd, 3rd and even 4th chances. Just like Ray Lewis became a better person after his incident, the same may happen with Rice, and I'm rooting for that to happen.

Mind you, if Rice even farts without excusing himself from this point forward, then he's dead to me.

[The Raven]

I'm just curious. Does anyone think we'll suspend Ray? I'm not being sarcastic either. I'm asking that legitimately. Does anyone honestly think the Ravens will suspend him any further than he has.

 

I really want to believe we will, but I just don't think we will. I don't think we'll cut him, despite the rumors. I don't even think we'll fine him. Harbaugh and Bisciotti will read a line that Kevin Byrne wrote that says "We are disappointed in his actions off the field, but we're going to stand by him and support him. This organization is a family, and we stand by each other when we face adversity. We hope that Ray will learn from this, and we look forward to getting him back on the field in week three. Are there any further questions?"

[funky141]

Wow, current and ex NFL players want Rice out of the NFL

 

Link

[JO_75]

Some of you guys just make laugh, "I'll never wear my purple and black jersey again." Good riddance.

 

Crazy, all they have to do is just not wear his jersey anymore and believe me I plan on throwing his jersey in the trash when I get home. I just hope by the time my plane arrives back in Charlotte tomorrow morning that he will have been released.

 

Does anyone remember if the NFL gave the Patriots cap relief from Aaron Hernandez after his whole situation? I'm thinking if they did we could get the same cap relief for Rice that they gave them.

[dirtybird10]

I have plenty of self respect. I do not need people on TV to raise my kids and be their role model. I have been told many times by many people I am a wonderful father. I do not need the Baltimore Ravens to tell me domestic violence is wrong, I already know that. I do not care about the Ravens' image, as it does not effect my personal life. What does self-respect have to do with anything here?

 

I agree with that, but I will say that the Raves owe it to fans to do more than what has been done here. It's too light for to horrible of an act. We won't cut him nor would I, but I would like to see them step up and do more. The Ravens owe it to their fanbase to show more class than to sweep something like this aside.

[Florida Ravens Fan]

Absolutely despise Rice right now. And shame on the FO if they saw this video and decided to wrap their arms around him anyway. Did they really think it wouldn't come out. Shameful day to be a Ravens fan.

I think this is the first time I will agree with something you've said.

[Sizzlebshu]

You fans are absolutely unbelievable. This is basically double jeopardy. You're essentially condemning him for the same crime twice. The facts of the case havent changed. He should not have his suspension lengthened. He should not be released. He already admitted to all of this. Its not like he lied about either. There is no way the NFL and police did not have this video. There is no way that everyone and their mother involved did not know about this. The only difference is you are seeing it now rather than hearing about it. 

 

What Rice did is deplorable and I in no way condone it, but he got his punishment, he is serving it. If you have a problem with the punishment, then you should have had a problem with it a month ago. The fact that there wasn't this level of outrage a month ago tells me that ppl here are just sensationalized. 

[The Raven]

Has anyone heard rumors? I read a few tweets from reporters that say league officials think Rice will be released. Anybody else hear anything?

[ksk316]

I have plenty of self respect. I do not need people on TV to raise my kids and be their role model. I have been told many times by many people I am a wonderful father. I do not need the Baltimore Ravens to tell me domestic violence is wrong, I already know that. I do not care about the Ravens' image, as it does not effect my personal life. What does self-respect have to do with anything here?

" I do not care about the Ravens' image, as it does not effect my personal life. "

 

Unlike you, I do care about the image of the team I root for.  And by self-respect I meant, respect as a fan. I take pride in my team's success and feel bad when we fail both on-field and off-field. If the Ravens win a superbowl, I feel like I won it.  I guess that's part of being a fan. I don't want to walk into an opponent's stadium wearing a uniform that supports domestic violence . That might change when the Ravens actually punish Rice.

[Florida Ravens Fan]

Yeah, I mean, it's not like he's Rolando McClain. This is a one time thing; everyone has screwed up in their lives. I can't speak for you, but me, I have no idea where I would be in life if I were not given 2nd, 3rd and even 4th chances. Just like Ray Lewis became a better person after his incident, the same may happen with Rice, and I'm rooting for that to happen.

Mind you, if Rice even farts without excusing himself from this point forward, then he's dead to me.

Lol Fly. This is something the team will have to deal with for a really long time as long as he is allowed to play. Maybe they will cut him to get this done with?