Will you take one more response about Ray Rice? After reading the letters to the editor about how the former Ravens running back was honored as a “Legend of the Game” prior to the Miami Dolphins contest, I had to put in my 2 cents, too (“Ravens honor Ray Rice; readers react,” Jan. 5).
As the Ravens make another run for the Super Bowl, what is wrong with them celebrating a player who helped them get to their last one? He is not going into their Ring of Honor. That would have been wrong. However, he was an integral part of the 2012 team. Who could forget that 29-yard, fourth-down run against the then San Diego Chargers? And he is now a media analyst for WJZ appearing at their Jimmy’s Famous Seafood broadcasts. Haven’t heard much uproar over those appearances.
As some of the letter writers pointed out, there should be forgiveness. Rice has publicly acknowledged his mistake and confirmed he did counseling. He and his then-fiancée married and are still together to this day. Most notably, there have been no further incidents.
One reader even brought up Ray Lewis. According to CBS Sports, which reviewed the court records in 2013, Ray Lewis was the only one in the case who went to jail. He became a witness for the prosecution testifying against the others for an obstruction of justice charge. He would likely not have served any time if he had not agreed to testify. Jurors found the others had acted in self-defense. Lewis went on to become a mentor for other players who found themselves in questionable circumstances. Of course, we Ravens fans are aware of how he helped the team win two Super Bowls. The National Football League thought his career was worthy enough to vote him into their Hall of Fame.
The point is we celebrate athletes for their sports accomplishments. However, since they have such a high profile, their private lives are under intense scrutiny. And many think of them as role models — so much so that the NFL has a conduct policy. There are some players who are repeat offenders and never seem to learn. But Ray Rice learned. He deserved that honor bestowed upon him by the Ravens organization because of his accomplishments on the field.
— Michelle Peyton, Havre de Grace
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