The Pittsburgh Steelers are said to be mulling over a Ray Rice contract this NFL offseason. While the Ben Roethlisberger squad can only offer the former Baltimore Ravens star a minimum deal, it looks like the running back might have a new home soon. Moreover, the Antonio Brown team appear to be open to welcoming Ray Rice in their locker room.
One of biggest issues in the NFL for years is the domestic violence cases tagging its football stars. However, the league has been allowing the comeback of some of the athletes who wish to have a clean slate in the gridiron. Among these stars are Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings, who was charged with child abuse in the past, and former Dallas Cowboys star Greg Hardy, who also committed assault. With these possibilities in mind, a Ray Rice NFL return could truly be possible.
Despite his entreaties, however, Ray Rice remains unemployed this offseason. While a lot of NFL fans feel it justified to shun the running back from returning to the league, some believe that he has paid his dues. Pointing out the case of Greg Hardy, some Ray Rice supporters noted the difference in the gravity of their sins and the so-called "unfair" treatment of the Baltimore Ravens star.
"I don't know that what he did, as horrific and horrendous as it was, should mean that you now have no career, and you're not allowed to do what you do best and you have a monopoly of 32 teams, a cartel almost, tell you that we're just going to blackball you because the horrendous thing you did just happened to be caught on video tape. I just think the whole thing is just unfortunate," said Jason La Canfora of the Ray Rice NFL holdout.
The NFL reporter further noted, "The fact that he can't get a phone call...I think he's being held to an incredibly unrealistic standard."
While the Pittsburgh Steelers have yet to officially confirm the Ray Rice contract rumor, the former Baltimore Ravens running back remains optimistic of his chances to return to the NFL. Moreover, he has been vocal with his efforts to turn over a new leaf and atone for his mistakes.
"In my heart of hearts, it will happen," said Ray Rice of his NFL return. He added, "I don't know when, and I can't control when. But the things I can control...being in shape and being ready...I'm just taking care of my part."
What do you think? Should the Pittsburgh Steelers open their doors for a Ray Rice NFL return? Will this help the Ben Roethlisberger squad next season?
