The Baltimore Ravens’ decision to cut Ray Rice on Monday after video of the running back knocking out his wife emerged seems indisputably like a reactionary move to public outcry rather than an indication of their true feelings.
According to ABC, the Ravens knew the tape existed and what was on it almost immediately after the incident took place in February. They were even told to contact Rice’s lawyer to see it, but they chose not to.
From ABC News’ report:
But two sources briefed on the incident and behind-the-scenes discussions regarding the tape told ABC News that the Ravens knew that the tape existed and knew what was on the tape almost immediately after the incident.
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The Ravens team also asked the hotel for the full video, but were told by the Revel they couldn’t give it out to anyone except someone who was a party to what’s on the tape or to law enforcement, the sources said. But Revel officials told the team that Rice’s attorney had a copy and the Ravens should ask the lawyer for the tape, the sources told ABC News.The Ravens did not ask Rice or his lawyer for a copy of the video. Instead, the Ravens and the NFL asked law enforcement for the video which declined to give it up.
What does this sound like to you? Exactly what TMZ said — the NFL and team did not want to know what was on the tape (or have the public find out) because they wanted to bury the issue.
The Ravens have a major interest in having Rice available to play for them. He’s a good player and used to be a game-changer. A light, two-game suspension for him is in their best interest as a team. A lengthier suspension reflecting the severity of his crime would have been bad for them. It actually makes plenty of sense why they wouldn’t want to know what was on it. To now turn around and feign that they were horrified by what was on the tape is a joke and poor excuse that you should not accept.
