Gregory Korte

USA TODAY

The White House released a statement Monday night strongly condemning domestic violence after NFL running back Ray Rice was cut by the Baltimore Ravens for an act of domestic violence.

The statement, released by Press Secretary Josh Earnest, said:

"The President is the father of two daughters. And like any American, he believes that domestic violence is contemptible and unacceptable in a civilized society. Hitting a woman is not something a real man does, and that's true whether or not an act of violence happens in the public eye, or, far too often, behind closed doors. Stopping domestic violence is something that's bigger than football – and all of us have a responsibility to put a stop to it."

The statement did not mention Rice by name, but came in response.to a question from Fox News reporter Ed Henry earlier in the day. At the time, Rice had just been cut by the Ravens, and Earnest said he hadn't had the chance to speak with the president about it. That conversation happened Monday night, the White House said.

Obama greeted Rice and his teammates at the White House last year after the Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII.

On Tuesday, Vice President Joe Biden will give a speech at the National Archives to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act.

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