RICE TO TELL HIS ‘STORY’

Former RB records domestic violence message for NFL

Ray Rice is returning to the NFL — but not to the field.

The former Ravens running back recorded a short video conversation on domestic violence that the league will show to teams in May as part of its social responsibility program, according to USA Today.

The NFL suspended Rice in 2014 after he was arrested in Atlantic City for punching his then-fiancee (now wife) Janay Palmer in the face. Security footage of the incident surfaced months later, leading to a stiffer punishment from commissioner Roger Goodell. Baltimore then released Rice in the ensuing days, and the New Rochelle native has been out of the game ever since.

“I just think there’s so much more to learn from my situation,” Rice told USA Today. “My story is a real story. Part of life’s journey is just being able to tell my story now. A lot of men think, it can’t happen to me. Well, I had a clean slate and it all came down to a terrible splitsecond decision. I want these guys to learn from it. I want them to be better for it. I want them to be better men. I’m fortunate enough to be in contact with the league and I’m thankful for the opportunity to tell it.”

The NFL established its social responsibility program in the aftermath of Rice’s arrest and suspension.

The program, now in its fourth year, focuses primarily on domestic violence and sexual assault. The league created the program in conjunction with more than 150 “experts, advocates, academics, law enforcement professionals and others,” according to its website.

“The one thing I can’t and won’t do is back down from my story,” Rice said. “It’s a pretty big goal to have, to change how men treat women, but that’s my journey. Whether it’s in the NFL video or the groups I speak with, I never sugar coat what happened. I take full responsibility. I went down the wrong path and I was not man enough to ask for help. I want others to not make the mistakes I made.”