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With many wondering whether or not Ray Rice deserves a second chance in the NFL, he is receiving support from an anti-domestic violence group.
The co-founders of A Call to Men, Tony Porter and Ted Bunch are hoping their support will increase Rice’s chances of returning to the league. A Call to Men is a national organization that encourages men and boys to end violence against women.
The former Pro Bowl RB has been working with Porter and Bunch since November after he assaulted his then girlfriend in an Atlantic City casino. After the controversy and public backlash, Rice promised to increase awareness of domestic abuse. Porter and Bunch said that he has done just that.
“We have been around a lot of abusive men, but our experience with Ray has been tremendously positive,” Porter told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “We feel strongly about him having the opportunity of having a second chance. He’s deserving of it.”
While working closely with Rice, the co-founders have seen him speak to athletes at Rice’s alma mater, Rutgers, and at his old high school. “He’s held himself accountable. He is saying everything that you would want him to say and doing everything you want him to do. So why wouldn’t he deserve another chance?” Bunch said.
Bunch, Porter, along with former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano, are hoping their public endorsement will get Rice an invitation to a training camp.
Back in December, “TODAY” show aired an interview and Rice spoke on his future in football. “They (teams) would have to be willing to look deeper into who I am and realize that me and my wife had one bad night, and I took full responsibility for it,” Rice said.
Rice’s last season in the NFL certainly wasn’t his best. All eyes will be on him to see if he’s changed both on and off the field if he does get another chance.
