'Horrible, Shocking and Reprehensible': O'Malley on Rice Video

After Ray Rice was cut from the Ravens and suspended indefinitely by the NFL, Maryland’s governor issued a statement about the video that prompted the decisions, which showed Rice assaulting his wife. Gov. Martin O’Malley also emphasized the state has resources to help victims of domestic violence.

“The video released this morning of this domestic assault was horrible, shocking, and reprehensible,” O’Malley said in a statement Monday afternoon. “Everyone can do more to help end the scourge of domestic violence. Please consider supporting the House of Ruth...”

The House of Ruth Maryland is a resource for women and children who are victims of violence. The Baltimore Ravens recently entered into a partnership with the House of Ruth, committing $600,000 in donations over the next three years.

House of Ruth Executive Director Sandi Timmins said that the video which TMZ Sports released Monday had not revealed any new information, but reinforced the idea that more work needs to be done.

“The video from the Ray Rice elevator incident simply confirms what we already knew occurred that night,” Timmins said in a statement. “It’s difficult to watch intimate partner violence as it happens. It must have been even more difficult for Janay Rice to have experienced it.“

What do you think is the takeaway from the Ray Rice video? Tell us in the comments.

One in four women will be in an intimate relationship that is physically violent, Timmins added, stating: ”...as a community we must all have zero tolerance for it wherever it exists.

“We appreciate the Ravens and the NFL for taking such a strong stand against intimate partner violence today,” Timmins said Monday. “We look forward to developing our community partnership with the Ravens and starting our work of educating both players and staff on the importance of this issue, as well as getting the message out to the larger community.”

Anyone who is concerned about domestic violence may contact the House of Ruth at 410-889-7884. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.