Md. lawmakers applaud firing of Rice

Maryland congressmen on Monday commended the Baltimore Ravens for terminating Ray Rice’s contract after video emerged of the NFL player punching his then-fiancee in an elevator.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) had previously said the National Football League’s initial two-game suspension was completely inadequate and sent the wrong message to those who look up to professional athletes.

{mosads}”The NFL was right to admit its mistake, and Congressman Van Hollen believes the Ravens’ decision to terminate Rice’s contract is the correct course of action,” said spokeswoman Bridgett Frey.

The National Football League also suspended Rice indefinitely on Monday.

Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) similarly commended commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL for “admitting error” and correcting its action.

“I support the Baltimore Ravens’ decision to terminate Ray Rice’s contract, as well as the NFL’s announcement of his indefinite suspension. Domestic violence is a brutal, cyclical, and too often hidden epidemic in our society,” he said in a statement. “I hope these punishments will send a clear message not just to professional athletes and public figures, but to anyone engaging in these heinous acts that domestic violence and abuse will not be tolerated under any circumstance.”

Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) called domestic violence a “cowardly crime” with or without video evidence.  

“While the video footage is horrifying, it does not change my opinion that domestic violence is a cowardly crime that should always be taken seriously, whether by local law enforcement or the NFL,” he said.

Earlier video of the incident only showed Rice dragging an unconscious Janay Palmer out of an elevator in Atlantic City, N.J., earlier this year. TMZ released more comprehensive footage Monday.