What are your views on domestic violence? Especially with Ray Rice being reinstated to play pro football?

SSG Gordon Hill — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 11:06:27 -0500

Just seeking everyones thoughts on the Ray Rice being reinstated to play football after clearing punching his then partner and now wife into being unconscious.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2014 11:24 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 11:24:43 -0500

I'm for a zero tolerance policy on domestic violence, SSG Gordon Hill, but with the intervention program (I think that's what it was called) that Rice went through, he paid his debt to society as far as the courts are concerned.

Then there's the NFL's position. They did say that the first instance of domestic violence would result in a six-game suspension (that was after they gave Rice a two-game suspension). I think the NFL handled the Rice situation poorly, and I'll bet that the NFL knew exactly what happened before it was released in that second video. That put them in a tough spot, so they over-reacted with a lifetime ban.

I think a lifetime ban is probably too harsh, but two or six games may be too lenient. Pro athletes are looked up to and idolized by many, and for that reason, I think they should set an example for the rest of society. On the one hand, a slap on the wrist for such behavior does not send a good message. On the other, a lifetime ban leaves no room for rehabilitation of the person and his career.

Maybe a one-year ban is about right, depending on the circumstances. I'm not sure. And I'm glad I'm not the guy who has to make that decision.

Response by CW4 Ray Montano made Dec 1 at 2014 12:34 PM

CW4 Ray Montano — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 12:34:04 -0500

This is a sensitive subject. I do not condone striking a woman, nor to I condone striking a man (in a domestic setting for both cases). The facts are that she started it, but he is stronger and a public figure. Both are equally culpable. I life ban is ridiculous on so may levels. The most important of these is that it sends a message that you can never fix something. I think a season is enough to get the message across. As Scott noted, these folks are seen as role models (which I don't get. They are entertainers and we really need to re-look at that he consider a role model to be), so a message has to be sent out. I think that a season off is appropriate for most violations (DUI, drugs, domestic violence, etc). A second offense should then be the life band, not because of the incident(s) itself, but because you did not learn your lesson the first time.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Dec 1 at 2014 5:25 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 17:25:04 -0500

Do i think he should be reinstated so soon; no not one freaking bit. But the NFL is to blame for the fact he is being reinstated so soon. If they had a solid Code of ethics in the first place this would not have happened. I.E. if they would of had it set that someone facing charges of domestic violence then they are placed on payed suspension while the investigation completes. Once charges are filed if filled the Player is suspended with out pay for 1 year. But wiht out have a firm plan like this the NFL screwed it self.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Dec 1 at 2014 7:09 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 19:09:59 -0500

You can't fix a problem that doesn't want fixed.
As much as I may not like the idea of violence in the house, what happens between consenting adults should stay between consenting adults. And that is what we have with Ray Rice and his wife, two people who have agreed that it is now a non-issue.
Does it set a bad precedent, especially with the military where a zero tolerance policy would effectively eliminate all resources for the abused right along side the income of the abuser.
You want to see this go away, the zero tolerance needs to go away, so that one, or preferably both, can seek help without losing everything.
That being said, I realize that some people do need to lose everything to correct bad behavior.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 8:08 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 20:08:18 -0500

Obviously, domestic violence is terrible.

With that out of the way, clearly his now wife found reasons to forgive him. Is it OK to deny the man his livelihood? Once he has fulfilled his criminal sentence, I think not. Having said that - and speaking as a Viking fan who loves (d?) watching Adrian Peterson play, an NFL team would be inviting all sorts of distractions and drama into their locker room by signing either player.

Neither will play this year, in my estimation. Ray Rice might not play again. His skills had been diminishing noticeably. AP is too good for no one to take a chance on him, but it almost certainly won't be Minnesota.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 11:05 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 23:05:18 -0500

It's a culture that they're cultivating and it'll set the precedent for future instances. That kind of behavior is reprehensible and although it's their life, he has an image to uphold. Knocking your wife out cold doesn't seem professional at all to me. I already can't stand the fact that athletes get paid so much money to throw, kick, hit or pass a ball, let alone see this. You know Ray Rice is from my city. People weren't so receptive to him but they did move on.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 11:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 23:16:30 -0500

Silly, public. Don't you know the rich and famous have their own rules? Let that be a lesson to the rest of us peons: Earn a few million and smack a bitch up. No harm, no foul.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2014 11:54 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 23:54:50 -0500

After having viewed the comments here: I completely disagree that a woman has the right to beat the shit out of you without laying her ass out. The courts disagree, apparently. It's a one-sided culture we live in...and it's going to get worse.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2014 10:16 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 10:16:15 -0500

MY VIEWS! I was raised in a D.V. house hold. In the middle of the night, I would sometimes have to run to a friends house to escape! I have P.T.S.D. from it! Domestic Violence, TO ME, is EVIL! It destroys LIVES!!!! I say, MUCH stiffer punishment for D.V. FREAKS!!! If I see it, I WILL react!!!! It does NOT belong on EARTH!!!