Video After The Jump
The footage of Ray Rice knocking out his then fiancee, Janay Palmer, in an elevator at the Revel Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City has finally surfaced. The incident occurred on February 15, 2014.
TMZ obtained the surveillance footage that is sure to cause more second guessing of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's decision to only suspend Rice for two games and fine him $500,000.
Janay and Ray appeared to be arguing prior to stepping onto the elevator. Once inside Ray punches her. Janay moves towards him and he punches her again. She falls and hits her head against the elevator railing. The Baltimore Ravens player then drags her out of the elevator.
She remains unconscious for a period of time while lying face down in the entryway of the elevator. A security guard stands next to her. Janay eventually sits up with Ray's help, but is obviously still woozy.
Ray was charged with third-degree charge of aggravated assault. Prior to the trial he accepted a diversion program that permits certain defendants to avoid formal prosecution if they attend the program for a minimum of one year. If he completes the program the aggravated assault charge will be dismissed. However, the charge will remain on his record.
The couple has gone on to get married.
"It is disappointing that I will not be with my teammates for the first two games of the season, but that's my fault," Rice said in a statement released by Ravens via ESPN. "As I said earlier, I failed in many ways. But, Janay and I have learned from this. We have become better as a couple and as parents. I am better because of everything we have experienced since that night. The counseling has helped tremendously."
Should Rice have gotten suspended for more games?
**UPDATE**
The #Ravens have terminated RB Ray Rice's contract this afternoon.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 8, 2014The Baltimore Ravens have moved swiftly in light of the video of Ray Rice knocking out his wife Janay surfacing. The organization has taken the bold step of terminating the star running back's contract.
He's also been suspended indefinitely by the NFL. This could possibly end the 27-year old's career in the league. When or if he's reinstated not many teams will want to deal with the public relations nightmare that will come with signing him.
The Ravens drafted Rice in the 2nd round out of Rutgers in the 2008 draft. He's been one of the top players at his position over the last five years.
In 2012 he signed a new five-year contract worth roughly $40 million.
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