The Baltimore Ravens are attempting to bounce back following a disappointing season after winning the Super Bowl in 2013. Ray Rice in particular is looking to turn things around after a lackluster year of 2013.
Unfortunately for Rice, his actions off the field will cost him, and the Ravens, as he has been suspended for the first two games of the 2014 season according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
NFL is suspending Ravens RB Ray Rice for the first two games this season, per sources. The suspension is expected to be announced today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 24, 2014
Rice was arrested for allegedly striking his then-fiancee in an Atlantic City elevator. Surveillance video showed Rice lifting her out of a casino elevator and propping her up on the wall. She appeared unconscious.
Because he was a first-time offender of the NFL’s personal conduct policy, Rice was likely to get a suspension of a month or less so this falls right in line with the expectations.
Unfortunately for the Ravens, their first two games are against their two biggest rivals, the defending AFC North champion Cincinnati Bengals, and their long-time rival Pittsburgh Steelers.
With Rice gone, third-year player Bernard Pierce is likely to step in to the starting lineup and get majority of carries while veteran Justin Forsett will also get some carries.
Rice will also lose more than $470,000 during his suspensions as his base weekly salary is just over $230,000.
