Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome indicated he believes running back Ray Rice will be vindicated of the assault charge stemming from an alleged physical altercation with his fiancée, Janay Palmer. While Rice may not be punished by the courts, he could still face discipline from the NFL, MMQB reports.
"Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome said something telling about the alleged altercation... 'Right now, I feel very good about his side of the story,'" Peter King of MMQB wrote on Monday. "If so, then Rice must have given team officials a version that involves either self-defense or overt provocation by Palmer. ... (But) regardless of the circumstances, if Rice did lay a hand on Palmer, he'll be branded an abuser and likely face league or team discipline because of it."
Discipline could range from a fine to a multiple-game suspension. Newsome acknowledged last week the video showing Rice dragging Palmer out of an elevator "doesn't look good," but he declined to speculate on any disciplinary action until after the case is resolved.
"Up until we get all of the facts, we'll allow the process to run its course," Newsome said, via Sports Illustrated. "As coach [John] Harbaugh said, we'll let the facts determine what the consequences will be."
Rice and Palmer both were arrested and charged with simple assault on Feb. 15 in Atlantic City, N.J. for an alleged physical altercation. The court summons against Rice alleges he "(struck Palmer) with his hand, rendering her unconscious," according to CBS Sports.
Palmer's summons also alleges she hit Rice with her hand.
Rice's attorney, Michael Diamondstein, released the following statement on Wednesday (via CBS Sports):
"We are confident that by the time all the facts are in the open, the public will have a complete and true picture of what transpired. We just ask that the public remember what a high-character, good person Ray is, and that they reserve judgment until all facts are out."
