Did the NFL indefinitely suspend Ray Rice because they saw the video or because we saw it?

9/9/2014 | Laissez-Faire Capitalist

[Laissez-faire capitalist]

Did the NFL suspend Ray Rice indefinitely after he was given an initial 2 game suspension because A.) they saw the video inside the elevator, or B.) because we saw the inside-the-elevator video?

If it is because of A, then why did they formulate a 6 game suspension to be followed by banning for a second offense and not apply the 6 game rule to Ray Rice? If this is because the inside-the-elevator video surfaced, then will the NFL have a system for those who are caught by video and those not caught by video?

In the end, IMHO, Ray Rice should have been given indefinite suspension when the outside-the-elevator video surfaced, and not just a 2 game suspension, and let him earn his return like Michael Vick did.

[cripplecreek]

Because we saw it.

[PghBaldy]

TMZ says they never asked for the video. I imagine, then, the issue is WE saw it.

[Dacula]

If they didn’t suspend him they would have a real hard time selling all that pink crap next month.

[Laissez-faire capitalist]

Why would they not ask for it, If, IF they knew of the inside-the-elevator videos’ existence?

[workerbee]

It was okay to hear about a woman being punched in the face, but not seeing it. /sarc

[BuckeyeTexan]

To: tobyhill

i work in the football business though i won’t say what capacity...this story broke during the NFL combine when i was in Indianapolis for the event with coaches, GM’s, and execs from around the league...when the story broke one team exec said to a very small group i was with(exact quote) “we saw the video and its pretty bad”...

i am not going to lie and say its the video that made the rounds today but whatever video was shown to league execs in February at the combine, it was very damning...

7 posted on 9/8/2014 9:21:40 PM by God luvs America

[Starboard]

Because we saw it.

*********
This one incident is bad enough in itself but we’ve seen lots of other disgusting behavior in the NFL. Its become more of a spectacle than sport IMO.

[Starstruck]

When you drag an unconscious woman out of the elevator, I don’t need a video to tell me she was smacked pretty hard.

[boycott]

The NFL needs to become more of a no thug league or people will start tuning out.

[lacrew]

Maybe they can hand out stick on black-eyes at the next Ravens game....make it domestic violence awareness day.

[Perdogg]

Ray should change his name to Ray Lewis.

[no-to-illegals]

we saw it ... and could it be also C) media saw it? While I do not trust the media, is there something that is superseding all that have seen the video or is the media simply looking for someone to blame in the form of a 'white' person? Am not the smartest person in the room but color me surprised a bit if the media isn't looking to help the one doing the beating, saying leave it alone <-- they are married now, and blame someone else for actions taken or not taken early on. Is the media looking to blame someone else besides the one that did the beating? Am wondering when the media will stand up for America, our Lady, and Stop her from being beaten with full media approval?

[dfwgator]

OJ Simpson is still in the NFL Hall of Fame to this day.

[discostu]

Of course it’s because we saw it. In the end punishments are about publicity hits. Everybody involved likes to pretend they’re about something less shallow, but that’s all show.

[defconw]

I am struggling with whether an employer has the right to terminate someone for something done at home. First let me say I don't care a wit for Rice. I am just wondering if this is setting up more big brother nanny state control over all of us.

On the one hand I see the guy is a public figure, he's a member of a team that has rules, he gets paid a lot and he should not be hitting a woman.

On the other hand if he is not charged with a crime that pertains to work(I am thinking he should be charged with assault), should he lose his job?

I mean is there an anti-assault clause in his contract? For instance a holder of a CDL, is not allowed to have more than .04 percent of alcohol in his blood. He can lose his license and his job if he gets a DWI even in his own vehicle. Now police officers lose the right to carry a gun if they are convicted of domestic violence and then of course lose their job.

Just wondering if this guy is a scapegoat or a floodgate?

[mmichaels1970]

Here's my take. Roger Goodell probably saw the video and was probably going to hand down something like a half-year suspension.

Goodell then talks to Mr. and Mrs. Rice who plead that they have a loving relationship, are working on their issues, and ask that he show leniency, for the benefit of them both (financially).

Goodell hands down two game suspension. The public goes nuts and Goodell immediately regrets his decision. Does his "mea culpa" saying he dropped the ball, and instates clearer rules in the NFL about domestic violence.

Goodell wishes he could revisit the Rice suspension (and extend it), but fears he can't due to double-jeopardy and union resistance. He really wishes he could get a second chance on this one.

Poof! The video comes out. Now's Goodell's chance to get a second chance! He can claim he never saw the video and that it was "new evidence". Now he can extend the punishment, get better PR, and have no union or team pushback because the video is so damning.

All he has to do is hope people don't find out that he already saw the video.

[KirbDog]

The NFL needs to become more of a no thug league or people will start tuning out.

While I agree with what you are saying I will point you towards the NBA where the thug culture is thriving.

[.45 Long Colt]

I’m with Hillary on this one, what difference does it make? Everyone already knew he knocked the snot out of her. A video does nothing to increase the gravity of an offense. It only serves as proof thereof.