On February 15, 2014, Ray Rice made the biggest mistake of not only his career, but his life. While intoxicated at the Revel Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Rice knocked out his then fiancée (now wife) Janay Palmer by striking her in the head. Not only was Rice arrested and charged with assault, but an extremely disturbing video of the altercation leaked to the public. Millions, including myself, were outraged and disgusted.
Fast forward two years later and Ray Rice has yet to play another snap in the NFL. It’s not like he hasn’t tried; teams just aren’t willing to take the chance on him. And why should they? His last season in the NFL he rushed for just 660 yards on 3.1 YPC. Not to mention the negative connotation people would have with the organization that signed him. But I believe there’s a lot more to it than that.
Prior to this incident, Ray Rice was one of the more liked and respected guys in football. He was a grinder at 5’8″ and became one of the top running backs in the league during his prime. Even throughout all his fame and prosperity (which included a Super Bowl ring), Rice remained loyal to his roots. He continually donated to and visited his high school, New Rochelle, where students said that he was a regular in the school weight room during the offseason and continued to help the community in any way he could. Rice also remained close with those at his alma mater, Rutgers University. In fact, earlier this month Rice and his former Rutgers coach, Greg Schiano, were seen catching up at a recruiting camp in New Jersey.
Ray Rice screwed up big time; there’s no way around it. But it was just one mistake–a big mistake–but still just one. In life we should not let our lowest moment or biggest mistake define us. What should define us is our continuous behavior. Ray Rice was a good person both before and after this incident. He knew he did wrong and that’s why he’s spent months, even years, apologizing and seeking help for himself. Now, Rice is willing to donate his entire salary for 2016 to anti-domestic violence charities if he is signed. Rice doesn’t even care about the money anymore, it’s become much more than that for him. It’s become a chance to make things right.
Time and time again I have seen athletes do wrong off the field, and be welcomed back on it, especially in recent years. Michael Vick brutally abused dogs, but he got a second chance. Adrian Peterson assaulted his son, but he got a second chance. Jose Reyes shoved his wife into a wall, but he got a second chance. Funny thing about Jose Reyes is that even after being charged with domestic abuse and serving a 50 game suspension issued by the MLB, he received a standing ovation during his first game back. Granted it was also his return to the Mets, but we’re seriously going to give a standing ovation to someone who was charged with domestic abuse? Why are players like AP, Reyes, and Vick offered second chances, but not Ray Rice?
Well what about his ability–would he still be able to be a productive NFL running back? I really think so. From 2009 to 2012, Rice rushed for 1,000+ yards, scored a total of 33 touchdowns, and had just 5 fumbles. Plus he is an adept pass-catcher out of the backfield. Need I remind everyone of this? Bottom line is that I truly believe Ray Rice still has the ability to compete in the NFL. If guys like Trent Richardson are still floating around the league, why is no one willing to sign a former Super Bowl champion and 1,000 yard rusher?
From being in a very bad place, Ray Rice has made all the right moves to leave this incident in his past. He has gotten help, advocated against domestic violence, and continually and tirelessly apologized to those who he upset. I know there are people who will disagree with me, but I think it’s time that Ray Rice gets his chance at redemption not only in the NFL, but in life. The guy doesn’t even care about the money anymore! If that’s not genuine, I don’t know what is. As training camps begin to start up this week, injuries will surely pile up at the running back position. I challenge a team who is in need of a playmaker to take a chance on the former Scarlet Knight, because I think he deserves it.
