Ray Rice finally won the war to preserve his career on Friday, and his suspension from the NFL has been lifted, effective immediately. That means that if Rice can find a team willing to sign his this late in the season he may actually get some play time in before the next Super Bowl. Back in early September an elevator surveillance video was released that showed Rice knocking his now-wife, Janay Palmer, out cold with one punch, then dragging her off the elevator. He was handed an indefinite suspension after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell seemed to barely offer up a slap on the wrist last spring.
On Friday, Former U.S. District Judge Barbara S. Jones said Commissioner Goodell's decision in September to change Rice's original suspension from two games to indefinite was "arbitrary."
"Because Rice did not mislead the commissioner and because there were no new facts on which the commissioner could base his increased suspension, I find that the imposition of the indefinite suspension was arbitrary. I therefore vacate the second penalty imposed on Rice. The provisions of the first discipline — those regarding making continued use of counseling and other professional services, having no further involvement with law enforcement, and not committing any additional violations of league policies — still stand." said Jones.
The heat is back on Goodell, who many believe did his best to hide the full extent of Rice's violence by claiming never to have seen the tape until TMZ posted it online. It will be interesting to see whether or not his ability to suspend and punish players is now officially reevaluated. The timing of this decision is perfect for the Today show, as the interview that they completed with Palmer about ten days ago is now scheduled to air in two parts on December 1 and 2. They have released a teaser of her interview with Matt Lauer, one that has Palmer explaining her reaction to the whole incident for the first time.
"I was furious ... I just knew he hit me, and I was completely over it. I was done ... I just didn't even want to entertain it — any explanation. Of course, in the back of my mind and in my heart, I knew that our relationship wouldn't be over because I know that this isn't us, and it's not him," said Palmer.
There are so many things to debate and questions to ask here. Do you think that a team will sign Rice for the remainder of this year? What about Goodell? Is he purposely shady or did he make a foolish mistake in Rice's case? Will you be tuning in for Palmer's interview next week? Tell us in the comments below!
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