Ray Rice, who was suspended for domestic violence, set to be honored by the Ravens during next game

Rice will be honored as the Legend of the Game, a longstanding tradition in Ravens history.

Ray Rice, who was suspended for domestic violence, set to be honored by the Ravens during next game

Ray Rice will be honored by the Ravens this Sunday (via AP)

Ray Rice went down in NFL history as one of the most talented running backs whose career was cut down owing to behavioral issues off the field. A legend in Baltimore Ravens history and at one point, the most controversial name in the NFL, Rice will now be honored on Sunday by the team that cut ties with him over his domestic violence and assault allegations.

The Baltimore Ravens have decided to recognize Ray Rice as the team’s ‘Legend of the Game,’ a recognition and a long-standing tradition in the team’s history wherein a former player is honored for his accomplishments on-and-off the football field. If the award considers off-the-field activities as well, then how can Rice even qualify?

YouTube video

2014 was the year that changed it all for him. He was caught on camera punching his then beau, whom he is married to now. He punched her so ruthlessly that she ended up getting knocked out.

FS Video

The cruelty did not stop there. He proceeded to drag her unconscious body out of the elevator. The NFL and the Baltimore Ravens had to take action because of the nature and public outcry over this incident.

Ray Rice acknowledged his history while stating that he is a changed man

Initially, he was suspended for just two games. This, of course, infuriated the public, especially when the video was made public. The Ravens went on full damage control mode and cut him. That was the last the NFL ever heard of Ray Rice. A decade later, the team is honoring the very same man whose last highlight in the league was knocking out his own beau.

Ray Rice
Ray Rice (via IndyStar)

However, the receiver views this as an opportunity to show that he has changed, for the better. 

I truly understand why I was let go and why so many hearts changed But hopefully people can see where I'm now. They say people can change, right? I am not the same person I was 10-12 years ago. That's just not who I am.

He acknowledged his shortcomings and told the Ravens’ official site, 

Every time, I stepped on the field, I gave it my all. But I couldn't say the same for life. Now I'm trying to be the best version of me.

The team’s President, Sashi Brown, views Rice as a man who deserves the honor.

He was also consistently in the community, giving back. Importantly, after Ray's incident, he owned it...Ray undertook critical work within himself and to bring awareness to and educate others on domestic violence.'
Sashi Brown

The President stated that there is no point in continuing to harp on the past but that it is about time that fans give him an opportunity to move forward from this incident.

Nothing will change his past or make it right, but Ray's work has allowed him to atone for his actions and rebuild relationships personally and professionally, including with the Ravens.

It has been a decade almost and Ray Rice does deserve the benefit of the doubt. His actions still deserve to be condoned, but that one incident cannot always be used to define him. This Sunday, his reception ought to be warm, for it is a tribute to the man who played six seasons with the team, had 1,430 carries for 6,180 yards, 369 catches for 3,034 yards, and 43 touchdowns.

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