Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice has won his appeal to be reinstated back into the NFL. In hindsight he’s now eligible to be drafted back into the league.
The news comes a few short months after the announcement Rice was dropped from his team pending the investigation and legal mess that ensued after a video went viral of Rice’s assault on then fiance and wife, Janay Rice, in the elevator of an Atlantic City hotel (Read HERE).
“I would like to thank Judge Barbara Jones, the NFL Players Association, my attorneys, agents, advisors, family, friends and fans — but most importantly, my wife Janay,” Rice said in a statement released by the NFLPA on Friday. “I made an inexcusable mistake and accept full responsibility for my actions.”
“I am thankful that there was a proper appeals process in place to address this issue,” he continued. “I will continue working hard to improve myself and be the best husband, father and friend, while giving back to my community and helping others to learn from my mistakes.”
As for his wife, “It feels unbelievable,” Janay Rice said. “It’s a relief. We’ve been telling the same story for months and we always had faith that we’d done the right thing. Everyone deserves a second chance. We’re excited about what the future will bring.”
The NFL also had this to say about Rice’s appeal, “We respect Judge Jones’s decision to reinstate Ray Rice from his indefinite suspension for violating the league’s Personal Conduct Policy in an incident of domestic violence. Ray Rice is a free agent and has been eligible to be signed by an NFL team since he was released by the Ravens. Based on Judge Jones’ decision, he will be eligible to play upon signing a new contract…”
It’s also been reported that several NFL teams have already expressed their interest in signing Rice back into the league.
Sweethearts, what are your thoughts? Should Rice’s appeal have been granted or should he still be suspended.
