Ray Rice and the Baltimore Ravens have reportedly reached a settlement over the grievance filed by Rice against the team.
Pro Football Talk reports that Ray Rice has reached a settlement in his grievance against the Baltimore Ravens. The team cut Rice hours after video emerged from inside the elevator in which Rice punched his then-fiancee and knocked her out. Rice had contended the Ravens owed him over $3.5 million after the league reinstated Rice following his appeal hearing.
More from Baltimore Ravens
- Ravens need to give Odell Beckham Jr. a reason not to retire
- NFL Rumors: Ravens additions might not be done after signing Melvin Gordon
- NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?
- Is Mark Ingram’s new CFB gig a signal that he’s retired from NFL?
- NFL Power Rankings: Which teams will have the best rushing attacks this season?
The end of this grievance hearing could signal the end of legal troubles for Rice within the NFL. That is, he’s served the league-sanctioned suspension, he’s lost the requisite game checks, and his appeal hearing followed by this grievance have addressed the money lost thanks to the NFL shuffling its feet over Rice’s initial suspension.
After Roger Goodell changed his mind over his initially light punishment of Rice and slapped the former Ravens running back with an indefinite suspension, he opened the door for Rice to come in and recoup his money. Rice won his appeal of the suspension and as a result, gained some leverage in his quest to get back most if not all the money lost from the commissioner’s flip flop.
The terms of the settlement weren’t disclosed, and we’ll likely never know how much money Rice received from the Ravens, but now at least we know the deal is settled. There are no more hearings within the league to decide whether or not Rice can play or whether or not someone owes him money.
The question from here turns to the prospect of Rice’s career in the NFL. At 28 years old, Rice still has plenty in the tank to continue as a running back, but will any team bite? Rice certainly has the productive history and age you’d want to see in a free agent back, but any team signing him will take a huge PR hit to do so.
The sad reality is that Rice probably doesn’t play the right position to command a market that outweighs the negative he brings. If he was a quarterback or an elite pass rusher, another team would take a chance. But Ray Rice is a running back and those are a dime a dozen, which could limit his prospects in the NFL.
More from FanSided
- Joe Burrow owes Justin Herbert a thank you note after new contract
- Chiefs gamble at wide receiver could already be biting them back
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- Yankees: Aaron Boone gives optimistic return date for Aaron Judge
- MLB Rumors: Yankees-Phillies trade showdown, Mariners swoop, India goes to Seattle