Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice has reportedly received a two-game suspension without pay for his offseason arrest on assault charges.
The Baltimore Sun, citing league sources, is reporting the suspension, which would mean a loss of $470,000 in salary for Rice. Another report is adding that Rice will also be required to take counseling and be fined an additional $58,000.
Rice was arrested and charged with simple assault-domestic violence in February following an incident with then-fiancee Janay Palmer at the Revel Casino in Atlantic City. A surveillance video released by TMZ.com showed Rice lifting a motionless Palmer out of an elevator and onto the floor, though there was no footage of any physical altercation between the two.
In May, Rice was accepted into a pretrial intervention program that allowed him to avert prosecution and he will have a third-degree charge of aggravated assault dismissed upon successful completion of the one-year program. While the arrest will still remain on his record, the three-time Pro Bowl selection will not be convicted for the crime as long as he compiles with the program.
Rice and Palmer have since been married and Rice issued an apology in May.
Rice played in 15 games last season and tallied 660 yards and four touchdowns on 214 carries while adding 321 yards receiving. Over his career, the Rutgers product has rushed for 6,180 yards and 37 touchdowns and caught 369 passes for 3,034 yards and six scores.
He will miss the Ravens' opening game against the Bengals and their second game against the Steelers, two key AFC North contests.
[SportsNetwork.com]
