OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice received a two-game suspension from the NFL on Thursday following his offseason arrest for domestic violence.
Rice will miss the season opener against AFC North champion Cincinnati on Sept. 7 and the Sept. 11 game on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The six-year veteran was arrested following a Feb. 15 altercation in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in which he allegedly struck then-fiancee Janay Palmer. The 27-year-old Rice has been accepted into a diversion program, which upon completion could lead to the charges being expunged.
Rice met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell last month after joining the diversion program. Goodell ultimately decided to suspend the running back for two games without pay and fine him an additional game check “for conduct detrimental to the NFL in violation of the league’s Personal Conduct Policy.”
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Despite the court’s decision not to impose criminal punishment, “the Commissioner determined, as he advised Rice, that the conduct was incompatible with NFL policies and warranted disciplinary action.”
Rice will be eligible for reinstatement Sept. 12 after the Pittsburgh game. He may participate in all aspects of training camp and preseason games.
“It is disappointing that I will not be with my teammates for the first two games of the season, but that’s my fault,” Rice said in a statement issued by the Ravens.
Lynch to hold out
RENTON, Wash. — Marshawn Lynch isn’t expected to be present for the first day of the Seattle Seahawks’ training camp, close friend and former teammate Michael Robinson said Thursday.
Appearing on NFL Network, Robinson said he spoke with Lynch and Seattle’s star running back plans to hold out of the camp that begins today.
“I really think he just wants his position in the organization and how they view him, he just wants that recalibrated a little bit,” Robinson said on NFL Network. “He’s been the face of the franchise, he’s been the face of the organization.”
At dispute is Lynch’s contract. He can make up to $5.5 million this season in base pay and roster bonuses. It’s the third year of a four-year contract Lynch signed with Seattle before the 2012 season.
Extra points
- Jacksonville’s troubled wide receiver Justin Blackmon was arrested Wednesday a complaint of marijuana possession.
The Jaguars said Thursday they have no plans to part ways with Blackmon. - The Atlanta Falcons agreed to a four-year extension with four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Roddy White.
