Last week, photos of a battered ex-girlfriend of Greg Hardy were released, and many people called for the NFL to step in and release the Dallas Cowboys player. Although Hardy was charged in 2014, the case was dismissed after Nicole Holder stopped cooperating with investigators.
Hardy seems to be the new face of NFL players getting away with domestic violence, and the NFL's old face had a few words to share about how he hopes to make an impact in educating people about the issue.
In 2014, Ray Rice was caught on video assaulting his then-girlfriend, now-wife, Janay Rice, in an Atlantic City, N.J., casino elevator. Rice was initially suspended for two games, but once the video was released, he was suspended indefinitely until that decision was overturned. Rice still isn't signed to a team, but in an interview with ESPN's Hannah Storm, he expressed his sentiments about Hardy and domestic violence.
"I've learned a lot. These types of photos and videos are very tough reminders to domestic violence survivors. It really shouldn't take photos, you know, or anything to understand the severity of domestic violence that happens every eight seconds as we speak. It does continue to raise awareness. It's just a tough deal that it takes the visual, the photos, for the severity of it to be known. My deepest condolences go out to the survivors of domestic violence," Rice stated.
When speaking about his own experience with domestic violence, Rice said he understood that he may never be forgiven.
"I'm only in a position to speak about myself and focus on my situation because every situation is different, but I totally understand that what my visuals did and the effect it had on society and the survivors of domestic violence. So for me to never be forgiven, I understand those things and I totally take full responsibility for my actions," Rice said.
Although Hardy is still playing in the NFL, Rice has seemed to accept that he himself may never play again. But many people still want to know why Hardy is allowed to play.