When news leaked out that the Detroit Lions had decided to part ways with former Ravens RB Justin Forsett, it seemed only natural that Gary Kubiak and the Denver Broncos would come calling. After all Kubiak had a need that Forsett fits and the former Ravens offensive coordinator was able to get more production out of Forsett than any other team, EVER!
Some things are meant to be and maybe this is one of them. And I certainly wish Justin all the best. He’s a class act and hopefully he’ll find success during the balance of the season, provided of course it doesn’t come at the Ravens expense.
But when the news of the signing was announced, I couldn’t help but to think of Ray Rice.
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Ray Rice did the crime and he did the time. He’s been an exemplary citizen, spokesperson, activist, father, son, husband and more since the infamous elevator incident. He made a mistake, we all do. He made a big mistake. Some of us do. He made his big mistake on camera – and that’s where similarities end.
Therein lies the difference.
That head slap left an indelible mark and unfortunately all the good that Ray Rice has done prior to that night in Atlantic City, and all that he might do going forward is scarred. He is forever tied to that elevator video like Laremy Tunsil to his gas mask bong.
But is that fair?
If Ray’s wife Janay and her family are willing to forgive, shouldn’t we? Shouldn’t the NFL?
Rice has been working out diligently, hoping for that one call from that one team in need at this time of year, when players are nicked up and team rosters are wearing thin. He wants to show the world that he is rehabilitated and that people can make mistakes, and that they can learn from them and so too can others whose lives are also touch by domestic violence.
Good things can rise from the ashes of despair and The Rice family is an example. Hiring Rice to be a running back could provide hope for others. Don’t we all deserve a second chance? Should Rice inextricably be connected to domestic violence? What about his family? What about his daughter?
Some will point to Rice’s final season in the NFL and conclude that he was out of shape and that he’s probably hit the career wall that at some point catches up with all NFL running backs. Maybe if he could sack the quarterback like Greg Hardy the hypocrites in the NFL might think differently.
But at least give the man a chance. Allow him to take a sad song and make it better.
Something tells me that if given a shot, Ray Rice, driven to deliver a message on and off the field, could make his new employer quite happy in more ways than one.
Nothing against Justin Forsett, but I wish Kubiak’s call had gone to Ray Rice instead.
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