Ray Rice Speaks About Domestic Violence, Suicidal Thoughts, NFL Future and More

Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice is still in search of another chance in the NFL. While that opportunity may not come, he's opening up even more about everything that's happened in his life since that fateful night in Atlantic City, when he struck his then-fiancee Janay Palmer in an elevator. 

Speaking to ESPN's Jemele Hill on Outside The Lines (h/t ESPN's Ed Werder), Rice talked about how everything that happened was wrong:

One of the many key takeaways from the in-elevator video released by TMZ Sports in September 2014 was Rice walking over Palmer after he struck her without trying to help her up. He touched on that topic in this discussion:

Rice has spoken honestly about his public image since striking Palmer in the past. He previously told Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun in February this will stick with him forever:

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It's tough, I realize that's a battle I'm going to have to face for the rest of my life. Time does heal everything, but I don't think people are going to forget this. I want people to not forget about the incident, but I want people to see there's a human being on the other side. This is not a monster, a guy who's a repeat offender. I'm not the guy they stereotype me to be. I'm not excusing what I did. 

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None of this makes Rice a sympathetic figure, but his perspective does suggest someone who has come to grips with the weight of his actions and the consequences from it.

During the interview, Rice claims he went through a deep, longer period of uncertainty with himself and his life:

By Rice's own admission, per ESPN.com, it will be hard for him to win back any favor with the public. He didn't sound like a man who wanted empathy from the world, rather trying to establish the ways he has changed in the year since everything fell apart. 

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We do live in a society where public opinion matters, and I totally respect that. Domestic violence is real. It happens every 12 seconds as we speak. ... I think that that issue alone with me in my situation, having the video -- that puts a lot in perspective. That vivid memory, obviously, that was the worst decision I've ever made in my life.

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That public opinion will certainly be crucial for any team that may want to consider signing Rice. The 28-year-old has reportedly generated some interest from clubs with a caveat, according to Wilson:

Rice said in the interview with Hill that he's tried to emphasize what he has done to better speak openly and honestly about everything that has happened. 

"The conversations that I had with them is more to understand the magnitude of my situation," Rice said. "I know that it's a unique deal, so I just try to honestly live day to day and stay hopeful for that opportunity."

He also admitted to understanding why teams would shy away from him, saying that playing in the NFL is a "privilege."

Rice hasn't been alone in trying to convince people he's ready for another chance, as Werder reported on July 24 his former coach at Rutgers, Greg Schiano, was among a group of supporters contacting NFL teams to give him a shot in training camp.     

There's no doubt Rice is doing and saying all the right things since that horrific night in February 2014. His latest interview paints the picture of a contrite, humbled man who wants one more chance to prove himself. 

Whether that opportunity presents itself or not, Rice sounds like someone who has made himself into a better human being. It's up to an NFL team to decide if that's enough to warrant an opportunity to play football again.