Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was suspended for two games after his offseason arrest for domestic violence. Because of the suspension, Rice won't be able to play for the season opener against AFC North champion Cincinnati on Sept. 7 and the Sept. 11 game on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Rice was arrested following February 15 where he struck his ex fiancée Janay Palmer in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The six year veteran has been accepted into a diversion program. When the program is completed, there is a possibility that Rice's charges will be obliterated.
The 27 year old athlete met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last month in which the commissioner ultimately decided to suspend Rice for two games without pay and fine him an additional game check ''for conduct detrimental to the NFL in violation of the league's Personal Conduct Policy.''
Although the court has decided not to impose criminal punishment, the NFL commissioner saw the need to suspend Rice because "conduct was incompatible with NFL policies and warranted disciplinary action."
Goodwell wrote a letter to Rice saying "As you acknowledged during our meeting, your conduct was unquestionably inconsistent with league polices and the standard of behavior required of everyone who is part of the NFL. The league is an entity that depends on integrity and in the confidence of the public and we simply cannot tolerate conduct that endangers others or reflects negatively on our game. This is particularly true with respect to domestic violence and other forms of violence against women."
According to Rice statement "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."
His teammates were not surprised over the suspension. Wide receiver Torrey Smith said "You knew something was going to happen. I'll be glad when those two games are up."
Baltimore Coach John Harbaugh responded "It's part of the process. There are consequences when you make a mistake; we'll move forward."
