Now that the domestic violence charges have been dropped against Ray Rice, many fans believe he’s earned a second chance.
And given his track record of exemplary community service prior to that dreadful night in February of 2014, they would be right.
Many from that same faction of Ray Rice supporters believe that the Baltimore Ravens should be the team extending that second chance.
They would be wrong!
Parting ways with Rice wasn’t easy for the Ravens but they had little choice, particularly if they want to be an organization that takes a firm stance against domestic violence.
They made mistakes in the handling of the Rice fiasco. They’ve admitted those mistakes. Regardless of how they handled Rice, the Ravens would face criticism.
Since the decision the team has taken measures to support the fight against domestic violence and internally they are more prepared to handle such unfortunate mistakes in a purposeful, singular fashion – unlike the handling of Rice.
There’s no turning back on the justified release of Rice at this point.
Doing so would undermine the progress they’ve made.
One does have to wonder though, if the Ravens would be more tempted to bring Rice back if he was coming off a season like he had in 2009 or 2011 when he compiled over 2,000 yards from scrimmage.
Instead Rice’s last season was his worst, averaging 3.1 yards per carry and finishing with less than 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Making matters worse, Justin Forsett, arguably the NFL’s best value ($1.6M cap number), averaged 5.4 yards per carry and had over 1,500 yards from scrimmage in 2014.
Could today’s Ray Rice even match Forsett’s productivity?
Adding to unlikeliness of a Rice return are fourth round picks Lorenzo Taliaferro and Buck Allen. The Ravens invested coveted picks in these players and they’ll want to milk the returns.
For all of you who still proudly wear No. 27 (by the way that’s Asa Jackson’s number now), your hopes for a Ravens/Rice reunion have a snowball’s chance in hell. If I were a betting man I’d take the snowball over Rice.
That said, Rice’s behavior since he struck Janay Palmer in that Atlantic City elevator has screamed remorsefulness and paired with his philanthropic ways prior to the incident, suggest that he deserves a second chance.
But then along came another Ray – Ray McDonald who now faces additional domestic violence allegations and has been released by his newest and now former employer, the Chicago Bears.
McDonald, an alleged repeat offender, has for all intents and purposes chased away any hope of any possible suitors for Rice. With all the focus on character, it’s just too difficult for a 28-year old back coming off a 3.1 ypc season – particularly one who is the league’s poster child for domestic violence, to find work.
The juice just isn’t worth the squeeze.
If the news about McDonald never surfaced, maybe Rice gets a chance. After all Dallas’ Jerry Jones is apparently the self-appointed foster parent for the NFL’s wayward sons.
Now all bets are off.