The New York Times reports that Ray Rice, former Baltimore Ravens running back, apologized on Friday. Rice, who punched his then-fiancée (now wife), Janay Palmer in a hotel elevator nearly a year ago, became the focus of the N.F.L.'s broader problem with domestic violence. On Friday Rice published a statement in The Baltimore Sun:

Dear Baltimore, This is not a farewell or goodbye. The last seven years that my family and I have spent in Baltimore have by far been the best of our lives. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for the love and support you've shown my family and I throughout my football career. We'll always be grateful for the love we've received from all of our fans and supporters, and for winning a Super Bowl. To all the kids who looked up to me, I'm truly sorry for letting you down, but I hope it's helped you learn that one bad decision can turn your dream into a nightmare. There is no excuse for domestic violence, and I apologize for the horrible mistake I made. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, and I hope to make a positive difference in people's lives by raising awareness of this issue.


Rice was suspended from the N.F.L. after video of him battering his now wife surfaced on TMZ.

The New York Times points out that an arbitrator reinstated Rice in November and suggests that the apology might indicate Rice's return to the league.


Image via AP.