Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Ray Rice - They're Just Covering Their Asses

By Casey Lee

According to ESPN back in February, Ray Rice, player for the Baltimore Ravens, was charged with simple assault after hitting his fiancée, Janay Palmer. A few days after the incident, TMZ released a video of Rice dragging her body out of an elevator. The Ravens, along with head coach John Harbaugh, said they fully supported Rice and his fiancée. In late March, Rice was indicted by a grand jury on a charge of third-degree aggravated assault. After his indictment, the Ravens again showed their full support for Rice. In early May, he plead not guilty to the aggravated assault charge and in late July, the NFL announced a two-game suspension for Rice. After major criticism and backlash, in late August, the NFL announced more severe punishment for domestic violence incidents.

A two-game suspension? So basically, the NFL thinks women are worth less than dogs. Why do I say that? In 2007, Michael Vick pleaded guilty to federal charges for dog fighting and he was suspended indefinitely. Rice hit his fiancée and he got suspended for two games. So I’ll say it again, the NFL thinks women are worth less than dogs. In fact, players receive longer suspensions for gambling, DUI charges, violating substance policies, and several other offenses. The NFL only announced more severe punishment because they received backlash and severe criticism. If you ask me it sounds like they’re covering their asses.


Since then, TMZ has released footage of Rice striking Palmer in the face and knocking her unconscious. Hours later, Rice was cut from the team and received an indefinite suspension from the NFL. Actor Seth Rogen tweeted and said, “I don't know much about football, but I know that Ray Rice is a piece of garbage who shouldn't be allowed to play it professionally anymore.” He was absolutely correct. The problem is that the Ravens and the NFL are being praised for their decisions. How do I feel about it? Shame on them. Firing Rice, and indefinitely suspending him was the right call, but it’s a call that should’ve been made months ago when the incident first occurred. I don’t know why seeing a video of him hitting her would be different than knowing he hit her. Harbaugh said in a press conference that, “it changed things.” My question would be changed what? You knew he hit her after you saw the video, but you knew he hit her months ago too. So what changed? Nothing, sounds like they’re just covering their asses again.




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