<p>I am dumbfounded. Actually, I agree with the latest judge who said that the indefinite suspension was arbitrary based on the original 2 game suspension and the new 6 game policy. Certainly the whole incident has been poorly handled by the league. However . . . certainly the sins of Roger Goodell do not absolve Ray Rice. Ray and Janay are now doing an image rehabilitation tour with a Matt Lauer interview to be aired tomorrow morning. On Sunday Night Football Jimmy Johnson said that the Arizona Cardinals should consider signing Rice for their end of season run. It feels to me like somehow in the bungling of the league response Ray’s actions have been put aside. I’m not sure what the appropriate waiting period should be, but I haven’t seen any contrition on Rice’s part. He just seems to be sending his wife out to bash Goodell and the media and sell his “this isn’t who he is” story. I may have missed it but I haven’t seen any contrition or lessons learned talk on his part. I was so surprised to hear Jimmy Johnson already go there on the NFL broadcast. Thoughts . . .</p>
<p>Got to disagree with you, Saintfan. IMO, Rice’s multiple statements of contrition have nearly made the whole sad episode trivial, because his “apologies” sound canned. I know that’s harsh but I am willing to let he and Mrs. Rice move on because that’s what they have been asking for. Anyway, for my money, most public apologies just are not genuine. For example, Ray Rice’s first public apology last spring was simply ridiculous. He mentioned, the team, the players, the fans…but not one mention of the wife/victim whom was sitting next to him. What?</p>
<p>I don’t see Rice being picked up. He might get a chance next training camp:</p>
<ol>
<li>No one wants the publicity during the season. </li>
<li>His statistics showed a huge decline in 2013. He’ll be 28 in January, which isn’t old by usual standards but is getting there for an NFL running back. </li>
</ol>
<p>Good points, Lergnom. No team on the verge of the playoffs will want to take on a possible (big) distraction. I do envision him getting invited to someone’s camp next July, if he doesn’t sign between the Super Bowl and the start of camp. Yes, his production declined substantially. RBs his size generally aren’t in the league at age 30.</p>
<p>I guess his wife also sat down with ESPN. I saw the piece on First Take while I was doing my cardio. There was a quote about God putting this in their path so they could bring awareness. Hmmmmmm</p>
<p>I guess they are lobbying for one more contract. If he doesn’t get another shot this is his permanent legacy.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Yeah, he punched her, but you are depriving her of any independent agency. He’s “sending his wife”? She’s like a hired retainer or an appendage?</p>
<p><em>She</em> decided to marry him despite that incident. They had been together a long time by then. Maybe, just maybe, that really isn’t the sum of who he is, or not even a significant part of who he is. Maybe that was the single worst, lowest moment of his life, never repeated, and she has chosen to forgive him. Maybe she just wants more money for the future of herself and her child. I certainly don’t know.
.</p>
<p>I know a number of people who know Ray Rice IRL. He’s given a lot to his community and there’s never been a peep about bad behavior. I really wonder if this is something caused by too many steroids. I think the original punishment was way to lenient and the second one too draconian. I don’t see any team wanting him any time soon, but I’d like to think he’s learned something from the experience even if he isn’t the most articulate guy.</p>
<p>I really, really wish kids would get taught how to apologize. Admit guilt, as honestly and thoroughly as possible. Then offer what you reparations you can make. Right away. Don’t even think twice about it.</p>
<p>I haven’t seen the interview but apparently her mother was also there. As a mom of five girls, I cannot imagine ever forgiving any of their significant others if they punched one of my daughters into unconsciousness and treated her like he did this young woman. And sitting on national tv defending this man? Would never happen. </p>
<p>A lot of her talking points that I’ve heard so far are around what a great football player he is an how he’s contributed on the field all these years. Yes, they have been together for a long time and she married him after the incident. However, I feel like if she is telling her story and taking agency for herself then tell her story and leave his on field contributions out of it. I haven’t read the full interview, I only saw the interview with the journalist, but the juxtaposition of “I am not a victim” and “God put this in front us to be roll models” is jarring to me. If your fiancee knocks you out cold but you are not a victim and “this is not him” how are you a roll model? It just strikes me as getting him one more pay day and saving his legacy. I would be happy to be wrong.</p>
<p>It may well be for one more payday. All I argue with is the idea that he is “sending” her out. I think she wants to do it herself. She is fighting for her family’s future. Whether she is misguided or not is another matter.</p>
<p>This whole thing makes me furious every time I see a new interview or comment in the news. I sure hope someone gets through to Janay and makes her realize domestic violence, particularly the type exhibited in the infamous video, is never a one-time thing. She has a child to protect, and while I feel sorry for her that she is so blind or motivated by who knows what, I’m angry that she will deliberately expose an innocent child to the possibilities.</p>
<p>And if I hear them say one more time “that’s not who he is”, or “they will give me a second chance if they just see who I really am” I’m going to lose it. That IS EXACTLY who he is. He can’t undo it. I really hope no one takes him on this season, and I do think (if he stays out of trouble) he will be picked up next season. Just like Vick.</p>
<p>As for the NFL, I say…BRING ON CONDI!</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s so much about a payday because Rice would be signed for the veteran minimum. I think it’s more that he’s a football player and this is his life. And I think it’s about showing he can, which is a form of redemption different from rehabilitation in public. </p>