Ray Rice Settles Grievance Against Ravens: Latest Details, Comments

After being let go by the Baltimore Ravens in September 2014 for knocking out then-fiancee (now-wife) Janay Palmer, running back Ray Rice filed a grievance. On Thursday, that grievance was settled.

Ravens president Dick Cass released a statement on the team's Twitter on Friday, Jan. 16:

Pro Football Talk first broke the news of a settlement:

Contributing to Forbes.com, TSN legal analyst Eric Macramalla noted why a settlement is so important to Rice from a financial perspective:

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Former disgraced RB Ray Rice has settled his grievance against the Baltimore Ravens. Rice was not asking to be put back on the team after being cut by the Ravens. Rather, he just wanted to be paid the $3.52 million he felt he was owed.

This was the second of two grievances filed by the NFLPA on behalf on Rice. In the first grievance, the NFLPA was successful in getting the NFL’s indefinite suspension of Rice overturned.

The second grievance, namely the one against the Ravens, has now settled. Translated, this means the Ravens likely paid Rice some money. Assuming that’s the case, the amount paid will remain confidential.

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The news comes one day after Rice and his wife, Janay, celebrated Janay's birthday. "I literally have the best husband in the world. He went above and beyond to make my birthday special," announced Janay, per TMZ.

Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun previously reported there were hearings set for Thursday and Friday in the wrongful termination grievance. NFL system arbitrator Shyam Das was expected to hear from both sides as Rice sought more than $3.5 million in back pay.

The 27-year-old running back was originally suspended for two games as a result of the incident. Once a second, more violent, video of the situation emerged, however, the Ravens terminated his contract and the NFL suspended him indefinitely.

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

A later decision by former U.S. District Judge Barbara S. Jones overturned the suspension, which would have allowed Rice to return to the field. No team opted to sign him, though.

ESPN.com passed along a statement from Rice at the time:

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I would like to thank Judge Barbara Jones, the NFL Players Association, my attorneys, agents, advisors, family, friends and fans—but most importantly, my wife Janay. I made an inexcusable mistake and accept full responsibility for my actions.

I am thankful that there was a proper appeals process in place to address this issue. I will continue working hard to improve myself and be the best husband, father and friend, while giving back to my community and helping others to learn from my mistakes.

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Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk stated the settlement implies money changed hands but notes the amount wasn't disclosed and may never become public. He also points out the agreement brings an official end to the relationship between Rice and the Ravens.

Another factor that remains unclear is whether Rice will be given another chance in the NFL. His numbers declined sharply during the 2013 season in Baltimore. Teams will be forced to weigh his potential impact against the type of reaction his signing would bring from the community.