Couple points:
1. Trent is done
2. Ray Rice just happened to get caught on tape. And the woman married him. I disagree strongly with what he did. But it doesn't mean he shouldn't have the right to make a living. Many other players (including currently Giants kicker Josh Brown have had similar episodes), and I'd bet my paycheck that at least 3 people on this board have handled their wives or significant other in a less than delicate way, but didn't miss a day of work or a paycheck because of it. And I'm positive that said people's employers look down on domestic violence the same way the NFL says it does. Domestic violence is a widespread issue. It sucks for Ray Rice that he had to be a tipping point for the conversation and the NFL's stance on it. As I said, his now wife forgave him for it and took out a full page ad in the Baltimore Sun pleading for the city and team to forgive him and her for "putting him in that situation." At the end of the day, people turn a blind eye to people's personal demons at the cost of winning. It's done in almost every segment of business and sports. It is what it is.
Thank you. I agree with all you said.
I will add that I completely reject, not only domestic violence, but violence in general. But that doesn't mean that you should always lose your livelihood and be treated like a pariah, if you genuinely repent. If there has ever been a more genuinely contrite person, I've not seen them. This shown by his lack of whining or bitterness, among other things. I only followed for the first year or so, so, I don't know what has happened since. As Mack indicated, his wife has been much more vocal on his behalf. In fact, she was beside herself in view of his treatment.
Also, the NFL had specific rules regarding domestic violence, but violated them because of the public outcry. This was to make an individual pay for the NFL's shortcomings. That should never be done.
Finally, according to the testimony by Ozzie Newsome, Ravens' GM, Roger Goodell essentially lied about the meeting (Goodell, Ravens' org) with Ray. I don't remember the details but it was material to the eventual treatment of Ray Rice. Ozzie did not accuse Goodell of lying but just repeated his version of what happened, which was in direct contradiction to Goodell's version. It made more sense too. Actually, IMO, Baltimore did not support Ray as they should.
I've had awful experience with DV: in my youth, someone very very close to me was beaten more than once, one time almost beyond recognition. This was a former NY fashion model, with a beautiful face. I've never even been tempted to raise my hand against a woman. I hate domestic violence. I also hate unjustly destroying an individual to relieve public pressure on yourself and your organization. The Brady saga is just another example of the often arbitrary nature of NFL justice.