Newsome Says Video Of Rice Dragging Fiancee 'Doesn't Look Good'

Newsome Says Video Of Rice Dragging Fiancee ‘Doesn’t Look Good’

February 22nd, 2014

Matt Loede

Posted in News, Police Blotter

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Ray Rice

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome commented that the video of Ray Rice dragging his unconscious fiancee from an elevator at an Atlantic City casino is a troubling image for the running back, Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun reports.

“It doesn’t look good, but I will reserve all of my comments until I get a chance to talk to Ray,” Newsome said on Saturday at the NFL scouting combine. “The whole video needs to be reviewed. … In any of those situations, it’s very concerning. Up until we get all of the facts, we will allow the process to run its course. We will let the facts determine what the consequences will be.”

Based on what he’s been told from Rice’s conversations with coach John Harbaugh, director of player development Harry Swayne and director of team security Darren Sanders, Newsome said he’s encouraged.

Rice and his fiancee, Janay Palmer, were both charged with simple assault-domestic violence following a physical altercation at Revel Casino a week ago. Both are in counseling and still plan to get married, according to Harbaugh.

“Right now, I feel very good about his side of the story, but I also feel very good about what he has done since that to help himself to not allow himself to get in a situation like that again,” said Newsome, adding that he hasn’t talked with Rice because he’s been here for the combine and NFL competition committee meetings all week.

Newsome said he wasn’t sure if an entirely different version of events will come out later. Rice has yet to say anything publicly since the incident. A Tuesday court hearing was postponed after Atlantic City law enforcement officials referred the case to prosecutors for review.

“I don’t know if a different story is going to come out,” Newsome said. “The video is what it is. But like I said, until the process runs its course, as an organization we will stand down.”