The #Ravens have terminated RB Ray Rice's contract this afternoon.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 8, 2014
Ray Rice has been cut by the Balitmore Ravens according to a tweet from the team’s official account. A brief statement on the team’s website simply read, “The Ravens have parted ways with their seven-year running back.”
Here’s what we know so far:
1. Rice Has Been Cut as His Shocking Attack Video Went Viral
His firing comes just hours after a video leaked of him knocking out his then-fiancee, Janay Palmer. You can watch the shocking video above.
Just a few weeks earlier, the Ravens celebrated Rice on its homepage:
Let's not forget this was the #Ravens home page just several weeks ago pic.twitter.com/XKiEz04YgO
— Andrew Abramson (@AbramsonPBP) September 8, 2014
In July 2014, Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti wrote on the team’s website:
Don’t we all have days or moments or periods in our life we regret? Ray showed great character for the six years I’ve known him. He has shown remorse after a bad incident. It was out of character. I don’t think now is the time to abandon him. You say we are a Ravens’ family. I’ve come to believe that.
2. He Has Been Suspended Indefinitely by the NFL
(Instagram)
As news of Rice’s termination spread, the NFL announced that he had been suspended indefinitely.
Rice was originally suspended for two games by the NFL for the incident. Later NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell admitted he made a mistake with the punishment. In the aftermath, the league brought in new rules regarding domestic abuse charges.
3. Rice Had Been Ordered to Go to Anger Management
(Getty)
Instead of jail time for the assault, Rice pled out and agreed to go for anger management. He had been indicted by grand jury for the attack in March 2014.
4. He’s Been With the Ravens Since 2008
(Getty)
Rice was drafted by the Ravens as a second round pick in the 2008 Draft. His initial deal was for 4 years at $2.8 million with a $1.1 million signing fee. In 2012, he signed a significant 5-year-deal $40 million contract.
5. There’s Been No Word From the Rice Camp
Rice has yet to comment on his release. His last tweet came around the time of the attack on February 12:
Come out and support! pic.twitter.com/lpUoS0U2lt
— Ray Rice (@RayRice27) February 12, 2014
In August 2013, Rice tweeted this:
#Truth pic.twitter.com/j8jYN9N2wO
— Ray Rice (@RayRice27) August 21, 2013