Ray Rice speaks out about domestic violence incident, calls it ‘the worst

“I want to hang them up on the field”, Rice told ESPN’s Jemele Hill.

“I don’t think anybody questions Ray Rice the football player, but I understand that being an NFL player is a huge responsblity”, Rice said. “Some people will probably never forgive my actions, but I think… over time I want to be able to rewrite the script”.

Rice also took the time to address the seriousness of the attack and how it is a prominent social issue.

The former all-pro running back was caught on camera dragging his unconscious then fiancee, now wife, Janay Rice out of an elevator in February 2014. To the survivors of domestic violence, I understand how real it is.

“If you have never seen what domestic violence looks like, and you look at my video, I can understand why some people will never forgive me.”

However, to this point, he hasn’t been invited to try out for an NFL team, and his window to play again could be closing with training camps underway leaguewide. That vivid memory, obviously, that was the worst decision I’ve ever made in my life. “And I know what it felt like to not want to live anymore, but I realized I couldn’t check out on my family”.

“I’m not afraid to say right now I’m a rehabilitated man”, Rice said. “I understand”, Rice said in the interview. Properly, I needed to eat my very own phrases. He understands why he’s been called a monster by some. “When I made the decision I did…as professionals, we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard”.

He also admitted to understanding why teams would shy away from him, saying that playing in the NFL is a “privilege”. He hasn’t played an NFL game since December. 29, 2013, and knows the clock is ticking against him at age 28 – dangerously close to date of expiration for most running backs. There’s no set in stone whether you’re going to get a second or chance or not. Arian Foster’s injury in Houston may be his best shot at earning a second chance, but there’s yet to be any indication he’s in the Texans’ plans.

The 28-year-old was released by the Ravens and received an indefinite suspension from the NFL, though charges against Rice were eventually dropped.

“That’s the part I wrestle with today”, he said. Rice said he remains hopeful for an opportunity to “hang them up in the right way”.