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Jemele Hill addressed the Baltimore Ravens’ controversial decision to celebrate Ray Rice this Sunday.
Baltimore announced that Rice will be honored as their “Legend of the Game” when hosting the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. The former running back’s NFL career ended when video footage surfaced of him assaulting his then-fiancée, Janay Palmer.
“I’ve done A LOT of reporting on Ray Rice over the years and it’s very few situations in which I’d say this: He’s truly done the work,” Hill wrote. “He’s a good person who had a horrific moment, but has done so much to educate young boys and men about domestic violence. His advocacy work isn’t for show. He is proof of the power of growth and healing.”
I’ve done A LOT of reporting on Ray Rice over the years and it’s very few situations in which I’d say this: He’s truly done the work. He’s a good person who had a horrific moment, but has done so much to educate young boys and men about domestic violence. His advocacy work isn’t… https://t.co/dO6N5jCjQ1
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) December 30, 2023
Hill claimed that Rice’s 2014 assault was a “one-time incident.”
“I rarely, if ever, have vouched for a player that has done something like this,” she responded to a social media user who challenged that assertion. “But I trust my reporting and trust what people in DV organizations say about him. I’m also not the only female sports journalist who has said this. I’ve seen so many players lie about being changed or put in the bare minimum. He is truly the exception.”
The team site acknowledged Rice’s past when sharing the news. The announcement cited his work with the Childhood Domestic Violence Association and A Call to Men.
“Importantly, after Ray’s incident he owned it,” Ravens president Sashi Brown said. “On his own accord, Ray undertook critical work within himself and to bring awareness to and educate others on domestic violence. Nothing will change his past or make it right, but Ray’s work has allowed him to atone for his actions and rebuild relationships personally and professionally, including with the Ravens.”
Having watched him strike Palmer, now his wife, some fans will never feel comfortable embracing Rice. Appreciating his reform is different from actively commemorating him.
Hill replied to a social media user who said Rice “lost that privilege” to be honored at Baltimore.
“I certainly understand why people feel that way, but plenty of players have been honored by their teams with checkered pasts,” she said. “Where should the line be?”