Shocking footage of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was released by gossip site TMZ last week. The video shows Rice dragging his then fiancé Janay Palmer out of a casino elevator. Police arrived and arrested both Rice and Palmer, charging Rice with aggravated assault after allegedly brutally beating Palmer and knocking her out.
Ray Rice pled not guilty last week to charges of third degree aggravated assault following his February arrest in a New Jersey casino. Rice has applied for pretrial intervention in lieu of a formal trial (via ESPN):
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"Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice pleaded not guilty to a third-degree charge of aggravated assault and applied for a pretrial intervention program Thursday morning in Mays Landing, N.J. Just because Ray Rice will not face jail time doesn't mean he is in the clear as he still faces NFL punishment, Jamison Hensley writes. The pretrial intervention program is a diversion program that permits certain defendants (particularly first-time ones) to avoid formal prosecution. If Rice is not approved for the program, his next court date is scheduled for May 29. Prosecutors have offered a plea agreement in which Rice would receive probation with no jail time and undergo anger-management counseling... Rice was arrested and charged with simple assault-domestic violence on Feb. 15 after a physical altercation with his then-fiancée, Janay Palmer, at the Revel Casino and Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Palmer also was charged in the incident."
ESPN goes on to say that Rice and Palmer were married the following day and that she appeared behind him in court.
There was also speculation as to what the NFL's response would be. Even if he is found innocent Rice could face fines and/or suspension.
What do you think? Does the security footage prove anything? Should she stand by her man or get the heck out of that situation?
Tell us what you think in the comments below.