The Ray Rice Elevator Video

"I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, it's his dog. If that's what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their own business." -- Clinton Portis on Michael Vick.

“It’s not a big deal, it’s just part of the process. There are consequences when you make a mistake like that. I stand behind Ray. He’s a heck of a guy. He’s done everything right since. -- John Harbaugh on Ray Rice.

 

The difference between Hardy and Rice is that Hardy denies doing the things of which he is accused. Rice admitted his actions - at least in part thanks to the sweet deal offered by NJ courts - and his case was caught on video. Hardy's case is still pending.

The outcome of Hardy's case may have an effect on how players accused in the future will deal with this. If Hardy is found not guilty by a jury, what incentive would a player ever have to admit their transgressions and ask for forgiveness?

Of course, Ray Rice was dumb enough to commit his act in front of a camera and then lie about it.

 

The video should bring you no greater understanding of the situation than that of someone who won't watch it.

 

The "elements of provocation."

While we all had a big laugh at Stephen A.'s expense, and ESPN rightfully suspended him for his dumbassery, don't ever forget that, meanwhile, the NFL and Roger Goodell believed the same thing.

"The tape did not align with what Rice told the NFL."

 

People like Goodell are used to problems "going away" without fallout, or without any particular lesson learned.
It has been vindicating to see him ripped so much today.

 

Fox & Friends:

"I think the message is, take the stairs. The message is when you’re in an elevator, there’s a camera."

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/09/08/fox-hosts-giggle-that-nfl-players-abused-girlfriend-should-learn-to-take-the-stairs/#.VA3t_QRaqf0.twitter

 

Goodell is family. They gotta close ranks.

 

This. He's exactly right.

Don't get me wrong, I don't feel one ounce of sympathy for Rice, but the only difference between Rice and countless other athletes is he was caught on tape.

 

Well-said. Even if every gruesome detail was in an arrest report, it's not the same as having it on video. We saw it, so they had to get rid of him. If we hadn't seen it, he'd be playing in less than two weeks.

 

Another brilliant Litton cartoon.