The Baltimore Ravens decided to step up and released running back Ray Rice when faced with mounting pressure from fans. The new burst in outrage came with the release of new evidence related to the domestic abuse incident from an Atlantic City casino back in February, specifically that TMZ released video from inside the elevator that showed Ray Rice actually hitting and knocking unconscious his then-fiancee.
The Ravens made the announcement in the early Monday afternoon.
The #Ravens have terminated RB Ray Rice's contract this afternoon.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 8, 2014
Many were calling for the NFL to ban Ray Rice, and the Ravens cutting him did NFL commissioner Roger Goodell a favor by not forcing the issue. Goodell and the NFL received backlash following the two-game suspension handed down to Rice initially for the incident.
After the TMZ tape was released and 20 minutes after the Ravens cut Rice, the NFL and commissioner Goodell stepped up to suspend him indefinitely.
Roger Goodell has announced that based on new video evidence that became available today he has
— Greg Aiello (@gregaiello) September 8, 2014
indefinitely suspended Ray Rice.
There is still a road back to the NFL though.
Ray Rice will have to apply to be reinstated by Goodell.
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 8, 2014
To play again in @NFL, former #Ravens RB Ray Rice will have to reapply to the league.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2014