Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice has been the subject of a national debate since he was suspended two games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy by Commissioner Roger Goodell.
While Rice has been the target of a lot of anger around the country, he continues to receive appreciation from his home fans. Rice received a standing ovation in Baltimore before Thursday night's game, a similar reaction to what Rice has heard during preseason practices.
"It means the world to me," Rice said after the game, via The Baltimore Sun. "You know what, everything that I've been through, I don't take anything for granted any more, especially going out there and playing in front of our fans."
There is something uncomfortable and distasteful about Rice receiving a hero's welcome after a domestic violence incident. We understand second chances and allowing a player to return to do his job. But using Rice as the subject of a tired "perseverance through adversity" narrative loses sight of this story's true victim.
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