Crystal Pouncey
Dec 31, 2023 - 09:15

Baltimore Ravens honor Ray Rice, stir controversy decade after domestic violence incident

The Baltimore Ravens are honoring former running back Ray Rice, who was arrested on domestic violence charges, as a "Legend of the Game."

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, who saw his career come to an end in 2014 after a domestic violence incident, will be honored as a "Legend of the Game" at Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.

Rice, who played six seasons with the Ravens and was part of the team's 2013 Super Bowl win, will receive the recognition despite his career-ending incident, in which he was caught on video punching his then-fiancée (now wife) Janay Palmer in an elevator, causing her to hit her head on a handrail and then dragging her out of the elevator.

The Ravens announced the decision to honor Rice in an article on the team's website, highlighting his accomplishments in football as well as his efforts at redemption. The article mentioned that Rice has been working on himself, his relationship, and within the community since the incident that put him in the center of a national conversation about domestic violence.

While Rice was initially suspended for two games by the NFL and later faced a longer suspension, he has expressed remorse for his actions and his desire to take full responsibility and accountability for what happened in 2014. He has also detailed his efforts to unpack the incident and his charitable community endeavors since then.

Despite his efforts at redemption, the announcement to recognize Rice as a "Legend of the Game" has sparked controversy online, with some fans expressing eagerness to move past the incident and others criticizing the decision to honor him. The incident has also been reshared online, reminding viewers of the shocking moment when the video was first released.

While some acknowledge Rice's efforts to better himself and his community, others believe that the punishment for his actions should include not being celebrated professionally. The decision to honor Rice has sparked a debate about whether individuals can truly change and whether past actions should continue to define them.