Ray Rice comeback supported by Domestic Violence group

Dec 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Ray Rice wants to make a return to the National Football League, and he has some unlikely support. Tony Porter and Ted Bunch, the co-founders of A Call To Men, are stating that Rice deserves a second chance to play the sport he loves, according to ESPN. The group’s mission is to end domestic violence against women, something that Rice became a poster boy for after he struck his now-wife, Janay Palmer, in the face, on camera, in Feb. 2014.

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Despite the ugliness displayed on the footage, Bunch and Porter are advocating support for Rice, who has never been arrested on a similar charge before or since.

"“We have been around a lot of abusive men, but our experience with Ray has been tremendously positive,” Porter said this past weekend. “We feel strongly about him having the opportunity of having a second chance. He’s deserving of it.”"

Rice might have a hard time finding work. Although many teams, including some contenders, could use a running back, he did not have too much tread left on his tires before being cut by the Baltimore Ravens in 2014. In the prior season, Rice was only able to rush for 660 yards on 3.3 yards per carry, becoming one of the more ineffective backs in the league.

In addition, Rice’s presence at camp would cause a media firestorm, something most teams not named the Dallas Cowboys are looking to stay away from. Ironically, they could be one of the interested parties, along with the Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons and Oakland Raiders. If Rice does get a chance, Bunch feels he could do well both on and off the gridiron.

"“He’s held himself accountable,” Bunch said. “He is saying everything that you would want him to say and doing everything that you would want him to do. So why wouldn’t he deserve another chance? His work in the area of educating young men is more important than him getting back on the field. He knows that and has said that to us. He is seeing the bigger picture. He has a desire to compete again, but also to make a difference in the world. This is what mistakes should be about: learning from them and teaching others. We’ve been in front of a lot of batterers. He is as transparent as I’ve seen, and as sincere as I’ve seen.”"

With most teams opening training camp this week, keep an eye on this story.