Ray Rice Domestic Violence Charges Dismissed
Ray Rice is moving forward. Domestic violence charges against the former Baltimore Ravens running back were dismissed Thursday morning, Atlantic City Judge Michael A. Donio confirmed to NBC News. The prosecutor sent Judge Donio a dismissal order after Rice successfully completed his pre-trial intervention program.
Last year Rice, who was captured on video brutally beating his then-fiancée Janay Rice, was admitted to the 12-month program for first-time offenders. This required him to stay out of legal trouble and attend counseling, and upon completion of the program, the charges stemming form his Feb. 15, 2014 arrest were dropped from his record.
Rice initially received only a 2-game suspension from the NFL, but after elevator footage of his assault was released to the public in September 2014, he was dropped by the Ravens and suspended indefinitely from the NFL. In November 2014, however, Rice won his appeal and became eligible to play again. At this time, a team has yet to sign Rice and he remains a free agent.
Once he became eligible to play professionally again, though, Rice released a statement, saying, "I would like to thank Judge Barbara Jones, the NFL Players Association, my attorneys, agents, advisors, family, friends and fans-but most importantly, my wife Janay. I made an inexcusable mistake and accept full responsibility for my actions. I am thankful that there was a proper appeals process in place to address this issue. I will continue working hard to improve myself and be the best husband, father and friend, while giving back to my community and helping others to learn from my mistakes."
Janay, who married the athlete six weeks after the violent incident occurred, has been vocally supportive of Rice. She told Today's Matt Lauer that she was "furious" with Rice over the attack when it occurred, but that they had moved past the incident together. Her family is confident Rice will not hurt his wife again, with Janay's mother telling Today, "There is no next time, and we've already made that clear."
For more information on domestic abuse or to get help for yourself or someone you love, visit the website for The National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233.
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