Ray Rice suspended two games? (Update: now cut/suspended)

[John Adams]

I am in total agreement up until the last part. I really don't know how to interpret the last paragraph. Not prying, but does it turn physical? If it DOESN'T, then okay, fine I am cool with what you said.

 

Shut up idiot.

[billsfan1959]

I am amazed at how much people care about this stuff to be honest. One guy in the NFL is exposed as being a douche who abuses his girlfriend/wife. The NFL finds out about it and suspends him indefinitely. Seems like they handled it pretty well to me. Why would anyone in the NFL be worried for their jobs besides Ray Rice? Why does anyone else even care? This isn't even about football beyond the fact that the Ravens lost their running back. Who doesn't have a skeleton or two in his closet?

I have worked in the intimate partner violence arena for years and there is a very legitimate reason for people to care about this "stuff," and this case in particular, for a number of reasons: 1) You need only to observe the public reaction to the video, as opposed to the initial reports, to get a small glimpse into one of the major problems in dealing with domestic violence. For those who have never been around DV or DV victims, there is a tremendous difference in hearing about it as opposed to actually seeing it. This is a case where the nation got to observe what it actually looks like (and believe me, as sickening as that was - there are women in this country who endure far worse). For the first time, many people saw the reality of the violence. 2) You are right, this is not about football. However, Goodell had a chance to bring the NFL to the forefront of this issue - to seize the opportunity of setting a policy in place to deal with offenders in a way consistent with what we now understand about intimate partner violence. You may not believe that the NFL should get involved in social issues; however, they are inherently intertwined, and sometimes a stance needs to be taken regarding issues that are bigger than a game.

[truth on hold]

 

 

I'm not sure if you’re understanding why this has become the huge story and that it goes beyond the wishes of the victim for it to go away.

 

Domestic violence is usually a hidden crime that goes on behind closed doors. What happened here is that it appears the legal system, the NFL and Ravens were all complicit in going easy on a man who punched his woman in the face, knocking her unconscious and all three knowing full well there was actual video proof of what he did. That there was video evidence is something that is very rare.

 

So you have two things at play here, by going light on Ray these institutions were giving other men who beat on woman a wink and a nod that this stuff really isn’t a big deal and the other thing is that you make victims of domestic violence feel less safe knowing that even with video evidence, your going through with and prevailing with any charges you may have against a man who’s beat you up is highly questionable. This has become a touchstone issue that goes beyond Ray's wife’s wishes. I'm sure there are very many women affected by this issue who were hurt and feel less safe by what these institutions did and did not do.

So now we've gone from telling his wife what to think and what's best for her, which backfired bwhen she publicly came out and stated the opposite, to speaking for all women. Lol

 

Yeah OK the original NFL suspension was too short (especially compared to drugs which I think are too long), but that doesn't mean going back and changing it because a video only confirmed exactly what was stated in the report. Because a judge hands down a sentence thats too light does the discovery of "new" information that is redundant to the trial evidence give the judge the right to impose a new and harsher sentence?

Edited September 10, 2014 by Joe_the_6_pack

[birdog1960]

I have worked in the intimate partner violence arena for years and there is a very legitimate reason for people to care about this "stuff," and this case in particular, for a number of reasons: 1) You need only to observe the public reaction to the video, as opposed to the initial reports, to get a small glimpse into one of the major problems in dealing with domestic violence. For those who have never been around DV or DV victims, there is a tremendous difference in hearing about it as opposed to actually seeing it. This is a case where the nation got to observe what it actually looks like (and believe me, as sickening as that was - there are women in this country who endure far worse). For the first time, many people saw the reality of the violence. 2) You are right, this is not about football. However, Goodell had a chance to bring the NFL to the forefront of this issue - to seize the opportunity of setting a policy in place to deal with offenders in a way consistent with what we now understand about intimate partner violence. You may not believe that the NFL should get involved in social issues; however, they are inherently intertwined, and sometimes a stance needs to be taken regarding issues that are bigger than a game.

well said. you have an important but likely heartbreaking job.

[eball]

I have worked in the intimate partner violence arena for years and there is a very legitimate reason for people to care about this "stuff," and this case in particular, for a number of reasons: 1) You need only to observe the public reaction to the video, as opposed to the initial reports, to get a small glimpse into one of the major problems in dealing with domestic violence. For those who have never been around DV or DV victims, there is a tremendous difference in hearing about it as opposed to actually seeing it. This is a case where the nation got to observe what it actually looks like (and believe me, as sickening as that was - there are women in this country who endure far worse). For the first time, many people saw the reality of the violence. 2) You are right, this is not about football. However, Goodell had a chance to bring the NFL to the forefront of this issue - to seize the opportunity of setting a policy in place to deal with offenders in a way consistent with what we now understand about intimate partner violence. You may not believe that the NFL should get involved in social issues; however, they are inherently intertwined, and sometimes a stance needs to be taken regarding issues that are bigger than a game.

 

Good post -- I am a perfect example of the difference between hearing about it and seeing it. I know it's easy to sit back and say, "what did you think happened in the elevator" but obviously, most people didn't think about it clearly enough -- myself included. The video was shocking. This is an unbelievably important issue and deserves attention in all walks of life. Domestic violence doesn't discriminate among vocations.

[Mr. WEO]

So, what exactly is the new policy for doemstic violence in the NFL? 6 games? "Indefinite"?

 

I haven't seen this questioned asked or answered. If arrested and convicted of domestic violence the punishment will depend on whether there is a shocking video showing what the guy was already convicted of?

[section122]

That's somewhat my point. They probably have been trying to get it since it happened and kept upping the price, and someone decided they could make a pretty good buck if they stole it.

 

To me, it's impossible to believe whoever had the tape, they didn't show it to all their friends. It's a casino.

 

 

From what I heard on the radio (no vouching for accuracy) the Casino that it happened at is going out of business. This removes all legal ramifications of the video leaking (who can be sued if there is no company?) and could explain why it hasn't leaked before. That said the part that stinks (as in I don't believe it) the most about the NFL not having seen the video is that they said the police is who they use for their investigations, the police in due dilligence should have received/got a warrant for that video, which would have made it accessible to the NFL. I'm not buying that they didn't see it for a second.

 

Hopefully, she files for divorce now, grabs half of his stack before its gone. She deserves it.

i cannot imagine why she went ahead and married the guy after that incident.

 

I hope for exactly the reason you stated but I doubt it. By all accounts Ray Rice was a great guy. Hell he probably is still a great guy but this one action will smear his reputation (deservedly so) forever. It could truly be a one off instance of violence. It could be that they came to an agreement that she would marry him to show solidarity and get paid to do so. It could be that she suffers from battered woman syndrome. It could be a million things but I hope it was simply to divorce him and take half

 

Who plays next to a creep like this ?

 

Man there are so many guys with convictions for so many things. Leonard Little killed a guy, Michael Vick killed dogs, Greg Hardy can't stop beating women, etc... He will be back and I would be willing to make a friendly wager with anyone who doesn't think so.

 

Yeah, that seems to have a significant factor in the Ravens move. And it makes sense.

 

This is something interesting to consider: What if a really good friend of yours that you have known really well, and really like, and think is a very good guy, has that first video come out. And then swears to you that it was self defense and she hit him. And then she, who you know well, too, says it wasn't bad and wants to marry him. It's hard to know what you would believe or do.

 

If it were me, I think I probably wouldn't believe him. But I don't know for sure unless I was put in that position. And I'm also probably not going to go and try to find out what really happened if she said nothing.

 

Couldn't help but think of Ryan Braun here, Lied about PED use to everyone and Aaron Rodgers even came to his defense, then got pissed when he realized Braun was lying. Me, I would probably just distance myself from that person. Regardless of what I believed my wife would have none of me hanging out with a guy who hits his wife period.

 

To put this in context, here is Brandon Marshall's history. Not sure how up to date it is. Suspensions are underlined.

 

Probably - the Marshall example is a pretty good case study. Marshall seems to have turned it around, staying out of trouble for a few years. Hopefully he can continue to do the same.

 

Not for nothing but Brandon (and I am not making excuses) has a history of mental disabilities. He has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and has actually become an advocate. Admitting the problem and receiving treatment for it has probably been why he has turned it around.

 

Other than image, I have yet to hear anyone explain WHY the NFL should be concerned with punishing Rice. Whether he deserves it or not is irrelevant. When did we get to the point where employers need to start monitoring and punishing private conduct unrelated to employment?

 

Image is exactly the reason though. Conduct detrimental to the league is a punishable offense. Most companies will terminate an employee that does something that garners this much negative attention.

 

Would you be fired by your practice or would you be suspended by the medical board?

 

Certainly the medical board would investigate this incident and it could lead to loss of licensure. I understand what you are saying but I think the "league" steps in to dole out punishment because that is Goodell's role as commissioner. He is hired by the owners to deal with exactly this. I agree completely that the Ravens could have and should have been more proactive in how they dealt with this situation. I would have liked to have seen them extend his suspension after it was handed down by the league. I don't disagree with the cutting but that and the "indefinite suspension" are clearly PR moves and that is obnoxious to me as well.

 

This morning I happened to catch Mike Greenberg on his ESPN2 morning show where he called out Robert Kraft for hypocrisy with regard to the Ray Rice DV issue. Mr Kraft appeared on national television yesterday and said he can't imagine Ray Rice ever playing in the NFL again. Greenberg noted that Kraft had recently welcomed and warmly embraced Floyd Mayweather in his owner's box at a Patriots' game. Mayweather has a notorious history of domestic violence. Classic example of phony outrage.

 

Mr. Kraft's hypocrisy is even worse if you take into consideration his team's handling/codling of Aaron Hernandez.when it should have been paying attention to obvious warning signs. Instead, the Patriots rewarded Hernandez with a contract extension. Mr. Kraft, please refrain from the moral high ground condemnation when it's clear you have no right to any such expression.

 

Came to this cluster of a thread just to put this here. Should have figured you would have beat me to it

[FireChan]

So, what exactly is the new policy for doemstic violence in the NFL? 6 games? "Indefinite"?

 

I haven't seen this questioned asked or answered. If arrested and convicted of domestic violence the punishment will depend on whether there is a shocking video showing what the guy was already convicted of?

 

Yep. The video screwed Ray Ray over.

[negativo]

The hypocrisy of the NFL with their suddenly sanctimonious penalty and tone is not going on deaf ears. We aren't stupid. Clearly, they tried to sneak this under the mat from the beginning and miscalculated. Badly. Even before the full video was released, public outrage had Goodell backpedaling. Now, Roger is in a full panic run with his pants down, desperately trying to protect NFL branding and advertising dollars.

 

What the video changed was really nothing. Nobody thought she fainted or was KO'd by accident. Everyone knew he knocked her out from the start. He admitted as much. The slap on the wrist 2-game suspension was given KNOWING that fact. The video only made it a game changer by bringing full public awareness. The Ravens and the league caved to bad PR, and everyone knows it.

 

Meanwhile, the league deserves what they get for this. Insane policies of suspending players indefinitely for marijuana or ADD medication while allowing brain damaging head-shots and criminal domestic violence go with just a wink/nod needed to be taken to task.

 

A shame the public has to drive commonsense policies that the commissioner of a trillion dollar league apparently doesn't possess.

[section122]

So, what exactly is the new policy for doemstic violence in the NFL? 6 games? "Indefinite"?

 

I haven't seen this questioned asked or answered. If arrested and convicted of domestic violence the punishment will depend on whether there is a shocking video showing what the guy was already convicted of?

 

Unfortunately it was worded with outs all over the place.

 

Effective immediately, violations of the Personal Conduct Policy regarding assault, battery, domestic violence or sexual assault that involve physical force will be subject to a suspension without pay of six games for a first offense, with consideration given to mitigating factors, as well as a longer suspension when circumstances warrant. Among the circumstances that would merit a more severe penalty would be a prior incident before joining the NFL, or violence involving a weapon, choking, repeated striking, or when the act is committed against a pregnant woman or in the presence of a child. A second offense will result in banishment from the NFL; while an individual may petition for reinstatement after one year,

 

So basically the first offense is 6 games maybe more maybe less. Then it is a lifetime ban that lasts one year.

Edited September 10, 2014 by section122

[1billsfan]

So now we've gone from telling his wife what to think and what's best for her, which backfired bwhen she publicly came out and stated the opposite, to speaking for all women. Lol

 

Yeah OK the original NFL suspension was too short (especially compared to drugs which I think are too long), but that doesn't mean going back and changing it because a video only confirmed exactly what was stated in the report. Because a judge hands down a sentence thats too light does the discovery of "new" information that is redundant to the trial evidence give the judge the right to impose a new and harsher sentence?

 

I never told his wife what to think and me saying “I’m sure there are very many woman…” isn’t close to speaking for “all woman”.

 

I think your being upset about the double jeopardy suspension of Ray Rice is completely missing boat on the bigger issue. As a man, I’m upset at the legal system and Goodell going easy on Rice. That sent out the wrong signal to men who beat woman. Earlier in this thread, I even said that Goodell should be fired right after the 2 game suspension came down. It’s shameful and I still think he’s lost all credibility to remain in charge. I’m amazed that he put the NFL’s reputation and his job on the line for Ray Rice like that. It’s crazy and I think Goodell is clueless.

[Hplarrm]

I am amazed at how much people care about this stuff to be honest. One guy in the NFL is exposed as being a douche who abuses his girlfriend/wife. The NFL finds out about it and suspends him indefinitely. Seems like they handled it pretty well to me. Why would anyone in the NFL be worried for their jobs besides Ray Rice? Why does anyone else even care? This isn't even about football beyond the fact that the Ravens lost their running back. Who doesn't have a skeleton or two in his closet?

 

Folks are worried about getting fired (and specifically Goodell) because they have not done a good job for their bosses at specifically their jobs and what they were hired to do.

 

Goodell was hired by the team owners to make them money.

 

That is his job pure and simple.

 

The Commish obviously does this in a number of ways. Keeping the game good by doing thins like working with the rules and competition committee is an essential function he does and covers a lot of on field stuff which appears to appeal to you.

 

However, make no mistake work on on-field issues such as decisions impact of whether Rice will be able to play for Balt or not are necessary for the Commish to make they are not sufficient as far as what he was hired to do.

 

Goodell was hired to increase profits for his bosses and to enhance the brand. A primary job of Goodell was to increase the appeal of the game to one its fastest growing demographic groups, women. For example, in the past year or so we have seen players become prominent in not-for-profit activities that appeal to many women such as the Susan B. Komen breast cancer research effort.

 

This effort has nothing to do with on-field performance but the Commish and others have devoted a lot of time and effort to this cause.

 

If I had told you that the primary presentation of the game to its fans was going to revolve around all these real men wearing pink for one week, 5years ago you likely would have said Huh? The color we wear has nothing to do with performance. Yet, reality has seen a lot of time and the central presentation of the game surround these issues which are designed ti appeal to women.

 

Goodell has already admitted in his mea culpa on the "mere" 2 game suspension he blew it. He know has to deal with the real rancor of the emergence of the full tape with the simple fact few believe that the NFL did not acquire the full tape when Goodell gave a punishment that he already admitted was to lax in how they presented the product to the fastest growing demographic.

 

In my mind Goodell is actually simply "Dead Man Walking" as far as his job. The NBA Commish did his job well in the way he led to disciplining a rogue owner Donald Sterling. He got out ahead of a recorded grievous act by an owner and ran even a fellow owner out of the league for simply saying something morally offensive when it made little difference to him in terms of play of the game.

 

Goodell blew it in that he did not protect the brand in the way the NBA Commish did. Goodell is gonna get canned over his failure to do his job well. It is simply a question of whether he leaves his $40 million a year job in a year or so when this issue is quiet and he quits to spend more time with his family or instead he gets thrown under the bus in the next few weeks, because in reality the situation calls for a head to roll to show the NFL sees the female demographic demands his head to show that the NFL really cares about this issue which is important to may its voewer targets.

 

[truth on hold]

 

 

I never told his wife what to think and me saying “I’m sure there are very many woman…” isn’t close to speaking for “all woman”.

 

I think your being upset about the double jeopardy suspension of Ray Rice is completely missing boat on the bigger issue. As a man, I’m upset at the legal system and Goodell going easy on Rice. That sent out the wrong signal to men who beat woman. Earlier in this thread, I even said that Goodell should be fired right after the 2 game suspension came down. It’s shameful and I still think he’s lost all credibility to remain in charge. I’m amazed that he put the NFL’s reputation and his job on the line for Ray Rice like that. It’s crazy and I think Goodell is clueless.

What percent of womanhood are you speaking for and how do you know? What we do know is that you're not speaking for the actual victim in this case. The meter of justice should be handled by the courts and not the NFL anyway. If people are unhappy with the sentencing then lobby their judges for stiffer sentences for any such future situations. But don't re-sentence someone for the same crime

Edited September 10, 2014 by Joe_the_6_pack

[Hapless Bills Fan]

This is good for both of them... Let's see if the love between him and his wife survives the test of being poor. If it does, congratulations!

 

According to some sources, Rice has a net worth of $14 million. Unless he's been attending the Vince Young School of Personal Finance, they should be OK

[RuntheDamnBall]

According to some sources, Rice has a net worth of $14 million. Unless he's been attending the Vince Young School of Personal Finance, they should be OK

Or if his net worth is tied up in stuff that isn't actually worth that on the market...

[Doc]

So, what exactly is the new policy for doemstic violence in the NFL? 6 games? "Indefinite"?

 

I haven't seen this questioned asked or answered. If arrested and convicted of domestic violence the punishment will depend on whether there is a shocking video showing what the guy was already convicted of?

As always, it's what Sir Roger says it is. You'd figure that after finally seeing the in-elevator footage he'd have upped it to 6 games, since it was a first offense. But I guess he rationalizes is by saying the footage of the incident showing the egregiousness of the action (she didn't lay even a finger on him) makes it warrant an indefinite suspension. Which could have been levied in the beginning, if he'd bothered to try to obtain the footage.

[Formerly Allan in MD]

His wife is probably so upset because she may lose The Big Ticket (and credit card) if no one wants poor Ray, even if his suspension is lifted. She'll have to find another potential loser. Something wrong with these women who cling to the Chris Browns of the world. If it's fear, get a restraining order for starters.

[Captain Caveman]

So, what exactly is the new policy for doemstic violence in the NFL? 6 games? "Indefinite"?

 

I haven't seen this questioned asked or answered. If arrested and convicted of domestic violence the punishment will depend on whether there is a shocking video showing what the guy was already convicted of?

 

What I had read was that 6 games was the standard for a conviction, but the league / commissioner still has discretion to increase / reduce based on circumstances. Like with just about everything else, they're leaving a huge loophole.

[negativo]

BTW, Ray Rice is hardly an anomaly. Ray McDonald is suiting up for John Harbaugh in San Fran despite being arrested on felony domestic violence. Bruises on his wife to prove it. Think they got there by accident?

 

How about Jim Brown? The sacred, holy, greatest of all time who beat women as a hobby for years. Swept under the rug, of course. OJ beat the hell out of Nicole and other women for years before killing her and her date. Warren Moon, anybody?

 

How about music industry wife beaters? Chris Brown, and before him Bobby Brown, not only escaped punishment, they became embraced by the bleeding heart feminists of the entertainment world and their empty-headed fans. How special.

 

It's a ridiculous double, triple, quadruple standard. Ray Rice..it's about time a star was forced to pay the price, and only because of fan outrage from a video. Should have been done long, long ago.

[Kelly the Dog]

This morning I happened to catch Mike Greenberg on his ESPN2 morning show where he called out Robert Kraft for hypocrisy with regard to the Ray Rice DV issue. Mr Kraft appeared on national television yesterday and said he can't imagine Ray Rice ever playing in the NFL again. Greenberg noted that Kraft had recently welcomed and warmly embraced Floyd Mayweather in his owner's box at a Patriots' game. Mayweather has a notorious history of domestic violence. Classic example of phony outrage.

 

Mr. Kraft's hypocrisy is even worse if you take into consideration his team's handling/codling of Aaron Hernandez.when it should have been paying attention to obvious warning signs. Instead, the Patriots rewarded Hernandez with a contract extension. Mr. Kraft, please refrain from the moral high ground condemnation when it's clear you have no right to any such expression.

Kraft is one of the most disingenuous pricks I have ever seen. I'm sure he does favors for people, and donates money. Yada yada. But he is a first class slimeball.