Ray Rice was given a hero’s welcome in his return to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night. Rice, who has been busy in court and disciplinary hearings this offseason after a domestic assault incident involving his wife Janay Palmer, got a standing ovation from Ravens fans as he took the field at an open training camp practice. We know this because the Ravens proudly pointed it out.
One of the top stories on the Ravens’ official website describes the warm welcome Rice received. He was described as “emotional” in his return and the story was written in the type of tone that would be taken if a player returned after losing a family member. The Ravens also shared a video of Rice’s reception through multiple social media avenues.
Oi, Ravens PR pic.twitter.com/0GEupwxClO
— Ian Oland (@ianoland) July 29, 2014
You probably don’t need us to explain how this is an issue, but we will anyway. Fans have the right to react to Rice any way they please. That said, this is a guy who was seen on video dragging his unconscious fiancee out of an elevator. Police also reportedly had video of Rice knocking Palmer out.
Had it not been for Palmer begging the NFL to be lenient with Rice’s punishment, he probably would have been suspended for more than two games. He’s lucky he’s not in jail. Rice’s “return” shouldn’t be celebrated, and the Ravens certainly don’t need to bring any added attention to him at a time like this — especially positive attention.
H/T SB Nation
