Ray Rice Speaks, Calls Incident “Biggest Mistake Of My Life”

Dec 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) warms up prior to the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Ray Rice spoke with the media following Thursday’s practice, the first time he has formally spoken since his two game suspension was announced following his arrest for a domestic violence incident.  Rice was obviously shaken and seemingly a bit nervous as he read a prepared statement and answered questions from the media.

“This is a very difficult day for me and my family”, Rice said.  “My actions were totally inexcusable that night.  I replay it over and over and it’s something I have to live for the rest of my life.”  Rice mentioned the impact the incident will have on his 2 year old daughter numerous times, telling reporters that “one day she’s going to know the power of Google, and I’m going to have to explain it to her.”

Rice revealed that his wife, Janay, did not accompany him to meet with Roger Goodell as an attempt to “ask for any favors.”  He stated that she was there only to support him.

Rice has never had any sort of off the field incident prior to his arrest, and was apologetic for letting down the team, his family, and “the Baltimore community.”  Rice called it “30 seconds of my life that I’ll never get back,” adding that it was “my lowest low,” and referring to it as a “one time incident.”

Rice revealed that his wife, Janay, did not accompany him to meet with Roger Goodell as an attempt to “ask for any favors.”  He stated that she was there only to support him.

Rice also revealed that he never planned to appeal the suspension, regardless of the length, revealing that he was prepared to accept whatever punishment he received.

When asked about his feelings on the length of the suspension, Rice said he “didn’t have any control over it, the punishment hurts because I can’t out and play football,” and that he “went through the process.”

More from Ravens News

• Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
• The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
• Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
• Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
• Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?

One question Rice refused to answer was what exactly happened in the elevator that night.  Since the video released to the public only shows him dragging his wife out of the elevator, there has been a lot of speculation as to the exact nature of what went down inside it.

Rice was asked what happened by three different reporters, and he deflected each time by saying that he didn’t want to “keep reliving it” and that he wanted to “move forward.”  Rice said that he would work on helping others who have been through domestic violence once he is able.

Rice addressed the criticism of his last media appearance by publicly apologizing to his wife, something he was widely criticized for not doing the first time.  He also said that the first appearance was “awkward” because the legal process was still in play.

Ultimately, his words did a much better job this time than last when it comes to addressing the incident and showing his remorse.  Rice seemed genuinely apologetic and it seems as if he has learned from his mistake.  Whether or not that is enough to satisfy those who are still outraged by his minimal punishment remains to be seen.

Do you think that Rice was sincere in his comments?  Is he obligated to tell the public exactly what happened on the elevator that night?