NFL boots out Ray Rice. Is that enough? #tellusatoday
Letters edited for clarity and grammar:
Not only has Janay Rice, wife of ex-Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, defended her husband, she has also apologized for the actions she took before he punched her in the face, knocking her unconscious — a scene that has been shown repeatedly in the now infamous video of the couple in a hotel elevator. Such behavior is consistent with battered woman syndrome.
Whatever Janay Rice's actions may have been before the assault, she did not deserve to be attacked. Even though Ray Rice has been cut by the Ravens and the NFL has suspended him indefinitely, it may not put an end to the anger issues. Only therapy can do that. Let's hope that the couple takes this matter seriously. Because no one wants to read about a tragic ending to their recent marriage.
JoAnn Lee Frank; Clearwater, Fla.
The current stance of Janay Rice regarding the suspension of her husband, Ray Rice, by the NFL is just further evidence of the real problem with domestic violence. How many cases go unreported because the victims believe the abusers really love them? How many people who are abused go back to the abuser because they cannot see the problem or because they cannot figure out how to escape? Janay Rice being upset at the NFL is the equivalent of her acceptance of the abuse. She and other victims of domestic abuse need help to understand that this kind of relationship is not normal or acceptable. Ray Rice should be in prison, not just suspended.
Brad Skiba; DeWitt, Mich.
If Ray Rice were a plumber, would we be demanding that the head of the plumbers' union punish him? The NFL is a sports organization, not law enforcement. Rice's cowardly act should have been better addressed by law enforcement.
R. L. Hartman; Naperville, Ill.
Authorities need to prosecute
Facebook and Twitter comments edited for clarity and grammar:
I think the Ravens knew about everything that happened before this latest video came out. They just thought it would go away. They were forced to make a move because of public outcry, not because they thought it was the morally correct decision.
—Joe Mamas
He was given punishment and then more punishment. It's like double jeopardy; it isn't fair.
—@sandi_hemming
The NFL commissioner, the owner, the president of the team and the coach are trying to cover for themselves.The matter was handled inappropriately when the incident surfaced. Where's their punishment? As for Ray Rice and his wife, it appears they have fought this way before. They look so comfortable fighting, yelling, spitting, berating and disrespecting each other.
—Ed Pantoja
It is not the employers' job to play mommy and daddy. It's the authorities' job to prosecute.
—David Malenfant
Janay Rice seems to think privacy is afforded her, but, when you live in the public eye and take the public's money, you get what comes with that money and prestige. The Ravens have been thugs for years. If you're looking at NFL players for role models, you're looking in the wrong place. NFL players engage in a sport that is violent . There may be some stand-up guys playing, but they are overpaid entertainers.
—Tim Webb
The NFL finally got it right. The bigger story is that domestic violence can happen to anyone, including men.
—@BrendanC16