Ray Rice

I live in the Baltimore area.  I am active in many community organizations, including one that works and advocates for the victims of domestic partner violence.  It's a heinous crime, that knows no social or demographic values.  The abused partner feels trapped, and worthless. 

I've also met Ray Rice.  I met him during training camp, back when he was a Rookie, back when the Ravens still had open practices.  I've also met him when he was out in the community, representing the Ravens.  He was a polite, well spoken person.  (He's shorter than me!  Seriously!)

I am passionate about helping the victims of domestic violence get out and get help.  I am passionate about helping them find opportunities to increase their education, and allow them the means to support themselves and regain self-esteem, self-worth, and their sense of self.

I also love my Ravens.  Living in this area, I can't even begin to tell you how much the organization does for the communities surrounding Baltimore.  They go out of their way to support community organizations in this area, they reach out into the schools, they run reading programs, they run sports camps, the players have even been known to make the high school football games in the area, to offer support and advice to the young players. 

February, Ray Rice made a mistake that he is going to regret for the rest of his life.

He hit his fiance and knocked her out.

I was upset when I first heard the story back in February.  My biggest concern was a simple one.  If this happened on tape, what happened at home where no one can see?

I was more upset when I heard that his fiance went ahead and married him.  At the time, I was wondering if it wasn't a ploy to get leniency for Ray at his court hearing.

The NFL slapped him with a 2 game suspension.

The Ravens did nothing.

I remember thinking at the time that it was odd that there was no video footage of the altercation in the elevator.  Most elevators in public buildings have cameras.  Remember the footage of Beyonce's sister fighting in the elevator?  I thought it was odd that this particular bit of footage was out there, but there was nothing from the elevator in Atlantic City.

Personally, I began to smell a cover up.

I was disappointed in my Ravens.  My Ravens gear has yet to come out. 

I boycotted the opening game.  (Okay, I only ever watch it on television.  I seriously doubt that the Ravens even knew or cared that I wasn't there.)

The Ravens organization announced a partnership with the House of Ruth - an organization that advocates for the victims of domestic violence.

I'm still not sure how I feel about that. 

Yesterday, TMZ released the footage of the actual encounter in the elevator.

Suddenly, the NFL and the Ravens took action.  Within hours, Ray was let go from the team, and he was indefinitely banned from the NFL.

Now, the question surfaces.  Did the NFL know about this video?  I'm positive that the Ravens did not know.

But, the NFL is another story.  They are currently giving a song and dance that they were never given the video.

I question their assertion.  They said they wanted to conduct a full investigation into the matter.  Wouldn't a full investigation also include requesting all videos from the place where the incident took place?  You know those casinos in Atlantic City have some of the best security around.  Saying that they didn't know it existed just doesn't quite float for me.  Didn't care enough to follow up is what I'm thinking.

Mike Vick did jail time for running an illegal dog fighting ring.

Ray Rice hits a woman, knocks her out, and what happens?  A 2 game suspension...
Once the video came out, he was banned from football.
Their standard penalty from now on will be a 6 game suspension.
6 game suspension for assault.

This makes me wonder about the priorities of the NFL.  Fighting dogs, bad.  Assaulting women, only bad if you get caught.

Like it or not, sports superstars do help set the tone for our culture.  The youth of our country enjoy football, wear the jerseys of their favorite players, and pay attention to these adults, some of whom have made it out of very tough beginnings and are now living the dream life.

The NFL needs to think seriously about what their next steps are from here.

As for me, I think my Ravens paraphernalia will remain in the closet for now.