Ray Rice wants to donate next salary to domestic violence programs
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Free agent running back Ray Rice says he’ll donate his 2016 salary to domestic violence education programs if a team signs him, USA Todayreports.
Rice, 29, has been out of the NFL since the Ravens released him in 2014, after a video of him knocking out his then-fiancée (now wife) in an elevator was released and led to his indefinite suspension. Rice won an appeal for reinstatement to the league, but has been unable to find a team.
“All the scrutiny that I’ve got, it was deserved, because domestic violence is a horrible thing,” Rice toldUSA Today.
“Me donating my salary is something that’ll be from the heart for me,” Rice continued. “I only want to play football so I can end it the right way for my kids and for the people that really believed in me. But I know there’s a lot of people affected by domestic violence, and every dollar helps. It’s raising awareness.
“People need homes. People need shelter when they’re in a crucial situation. I’ve donated a lot of money to charities, but I had a situation where it was a national crisis. I’m not saying I’d be (donating the salary) to get on the field, but it’s something that will show where my heart is. My heart is about finishing the right way and helping people along the way.”
Rice, a three-time Pro Bowler, made $25 million over the first two years of his most recent contract. He has been training near his home in Connecticut.
