Why Ray Rice Would Have Been A Bad Idea For The Colts
When news broke last week that Ray Rice had won his NFL appeal, many wondered if the Indianapolis Colts would have interest in the former Pro Bowl running back.
The Colts were mentioned for multiple reasons, one being they’re in need of running back depth. With Ahmad Bradshaw out for the season, it left the Colts with quite a void at running back. Trent Richardson has been a disappointment, and Boom Herron is still a virtual unknown.
Another reason would be head coach Chuck Pagano’s ties to Rice from his days in Baltimore. Pagano should have an idea about the kind of man Ray Rice was, and whether he would be worth the risk to bring in.
Many believe it’s a risk because of what Ray Rice did off the field, but I feel it’s more than that.
For starters, I would never condone hitting a woman, not at any time or for any reason. However, I think it’s something some folks would look past. None of us were there that night. None of us know what led up to that altercation. All we know about is the horrid footage we saw on video.
What we also know, is that the victim forgives her husband. We don’t know why, we don’t know how, we don’t even know if she’s telling the truth, but based off what she’s saying she forgives him…and so should others.
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On an early morning in March 2009, wide receiver Donte Stallworth killed a man while drunk driving. Stallworth went on to play 20 NFL games between 2010-2012. In 2008 and 2010, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was named in two sexual assault cases, one was settled, while the other never had charges filed. In 2007 Michael Vick was indicted for his dog-fighting involvement, spending a couple of years in prison. Both Big Ben and Vick are still playing and being cheered in the NFL.
I’m not saying these crimes are similar. What I am saying is that people can forgive players for the mistakes they have made in life. If the Colts truly felt Ray Rice made a bad mistake in life, had learned from it, and could help them win..bring on Ray Rice.
The thing is, Ray Rice made a bad mistake in life, may/may not have learned from it, and it’s no guarantee he would be able to help the Colts win.
Rice rushed for 660 yards and 4 touchdowns last year for the Ravens, averaging 3.1 yards a carry. Trent Richardson in 16 games with the Browns and Colts last year rushed for 563 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging 3.1 yards a carry.
I’ll take the guy who has not hit his wife for $500 Alex Trebeck.
After 4 years in a row of rushing for over 1,100 yards, Rice didn’t crack 700 yards. He also had his lowest receiving totals, aside from his rookie year in 2008. It’s quite possible Ray Rice is entering the down slope of his career.
Having domestic violence in your past, bringing unwanted media attention and publicity, while contributing Trent Richardson type numbers…would have been a bad idea, had the Colts brought in Ray Rice.