Baltimore Ravens slammed over decision to honor Ray Rice nearly 10 years after domestic violence incident

Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: The Baltimore Ravens stirred outrage this week by announcing that former running back Ray Rice will be "honored" on Sunday, December 31, almost 10 years after a video emerged showing him knocking his then-fiancee, Janay Palmer, unconscious in an Atlantic City elevator, as reported by TMZ.

He is set to be the focus of the team’s 'Legend of the Game' ceremony, meant to celebrate former players’ achievements.

Ray Rice has been 'working on himself and his relationship' since the February 2014 incident

In February 2014, Rice, whose on-field accomplishments include three Pro Bowls, a Super Bowl championship, and over 9,000 yards from scrimmage, was seen dragging an unconscious Janay Palmer out of an elevator, leading to his release from the team and being banned from the NFL.

However, Rice has since worked to redeem himself, according to team president Sashi Brown, who said, "Out of the public eye, Rice has been working on himself, his relationship, and within the community." 

The Ravens executive pointed to his extensive charitable work and his efforts to educate people about domestic violence prevention.

However, many have argued that Rice’s actions were unforgivable, regardless of his apologies or community service. And that they see the Ravens’ decision to honor him as disrespectful to the sufferers of domestic abuse.

Internet rages upon learning about Baltimore Ravens' move to honor Ray Rice

Netizens erupted in swift condemnation upon learning of the Baltimore Ravens' decision to honor Rice, almost a decade since his domestic violence incident, criticizing both the football team and the NFL for endorsing the tribute.

One wrote, "It doesn’t surprise me about the Ravens doing this. He beat his wife. It was all recorded. Shame on them."

A person commented, "What do they think 10 years makes domestic violence okay now?"

"Most Raven thing to do of all time," remarked someone else, while a netizen noted, "They should show the elevator scene on the scoreboard."

One more expressed, "Most Raven thing to do of all time." 

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