Official Statement from NFL on Ray Rice Case

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the two-game suspension of Ravens running back Ray Rice Thursday in connection with an assault charge at a New Jersey casino. The alleged assault received significant media attention after TMZ published a video of the incident, which involved Rice and his fiancée (now his wife).

Rice and his wife, Janay Palmer, met with Goodell on June 16 for questioning about the incident, according to The Baltimore Sun, and the commissioner referenced that meeting in his remarks about the suspension.

The NFL released the following memo from Goodell announcing the decision:

"As you acknowledged during our meeting, your conduct was unquestionably inconsistent with league polices and the standard of behavior required of everyone who is part of the NFL. The league is an entity that depends on integrity and in the confidence of the public and we simply cannot tolerate conduct that endangers others or reflects negatively on our game. This is particularly true with respect to domestic violence and other forms of violence against women."

“You will be expected to continue to take advantage of the counseling and other professional services you identified during our meeting. As you noted, this additional assistance has been of significant benefit to you and your wife, and it should remain a part of your practice as appropriate.

“I believe that you are sincere in your desire to learn from this matter and move forward toward a healthy relationship and successful career. I am now focused on your actions and expect you to demonstrate by those actions that you are prepared to fulfill those expectations.”

The meeting in June and not going to trial most definitely "helped his cause" in terms of the punishment, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported.    

Related:

• NFL Officials Make Decision on Ray Rice Suspension
• Ray Rice: 'I Won't Call Myself a Failure'
• Rice Admitted to Pre-Trial Intervention Program
• Ray Rice Pleads Not Guilty, Deal Pending
• Day After Ray Rice Indicted on Assault Charge, He Weds Fiancée
• Baltimore Ravens Running Back Ray Rice Faces New Criminal Charge
• Ray Rice Arrested in Atlantic City