Ravens RB Ray Rice Suspended Two Games

Update:

The NFL has officially announced that Ravens RB Ray Rice will be suspended for the first two games of the 2014 season.

Statement from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell:

“As you acknowledged during our meeting, your conduct was unquestionably inconsistent with league polices and the standard of behavior required of everyone who is part of the NFL. The league is an entity that depends on integrity and in the confidence of the public and we simply cannot tolerate conduct that endangers others or reflects negatively on our game. This is particularly true with respect to domestic violence and other forms of violence against women.

“You will be expected to continue to take advantage of the counseling and other professional services you identified during our meeting. As you noted, this additional assistance has been of significant benefit to you and your wife, and it should remain a part of your practice as appropriate.

“I believe that you are sincere in your desire to learn from this matter and move forward toward a healthy relationship and successful career. I am now focused on your actions and expect you to demonstrate by those actions that you are prepared to fulfill those expectations.”

#Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome: "We appreciate the thorough process the league office used to evaluate the incident with Ray Rice."

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 24, 2014

RB Ray Rice: “It is disappointing that I will not be with my teammates for the first two games of the season, but that’s my fault."

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 24, 2014

———-

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the NFL has suspended Ravens RB Ray Rice for the first two games of the 2014 season.

• According to Schefter, Rice’s suspension will begin on August 30, and he’ll be eligible for reinstatement on September 12.
• Rice will be fined an additional $58,000.
• Schefter adds that the suspension is expected to be announced later today.

Previous reports mentioned that Rice could be facing a 4-6 game suspension for the incident that occurred in Las Vegas several months ago in which he knocked out his wife Janay, so it really could have been worse for him.

The Ravens added veteran RB Justin Forsett in free agency and also drafted Lorenzo Taliaferro in the fourth-round of this year’s draft. Bernard Pierce will almost certainly open the season as the team’s No. 1 running back.

Rice, 27, is coming off of a hugely disappointing 2013 season in which he recorded just 660 yards rushing on 214 carries (3.1 YPC) and four touchdowns. He also contributed 58 receptions for 321 yards receiving.

Rice is entering the third year of his five-year, $35 million contract that included $24 million guaranteed. Another disappointing season from Rice and the Ravens could consider moving taking the cap savings and move on.