While nobody really knows what triggered Ray Rice to attack his then fiance (now wife) Janay Palmer on a hotel elevator, the former NFL running back suggests it was liquor-filled rage.
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That’s the word from TMZ who says Rice allegedly told the Baltimore Ravens that both he and Palmer had been drinking heavily before their argument which eventually lead to the elevator attack.
"Rice told the Baltimore Ravens he and Janay Palmer had been drinking HEAVILY before the altercation. Rice is telling friends he becomes a different person when he boozes it up … so he’s changed his life."
For what it’s worth, Ray Rice also stated that he hasn’t touched any hard liquor since that date though TMZ suggests the former Rutgers star hasn’t given up drinking completely as he still drinks wine.
Even if the report is true and Rice did attack Palmer is a drunken rage, that’s no excuse for his actions. It wasn’t the alcohol which punched Rice’s fiance, it was the running back. Granted, his judgement would have obviously been impaired but it sounds as if Ray Rice was well aware that he had problems when he drank. Knowing that, you obviously need to have control and avoid doing so or deal with the consequences.
TMZ also goes on to state that Ray Rice and Janay Palmer have both underwent lifestyle changes and both opted to be baptized in March when they decided to become Born again Christians. They’ve also reportedly met with other NFL players and their wives/significant others.