Ray Rice Talks His Darkest Moments, Says “I See Why People Commit Suicide”

Ray Rice has had a pretty rocky year. In 2014 he was the subject of a high profile scandal, he was kicked off the Ravens, he’s been the butt of jokes and his life has been one big media circus. In a recent interview with the Baltimore Sun, Rice reflects on the last year and said he contemplated suicide. 

“The big picture of it all, being the person that I am, I really felt horrible,” Rice said in the hour long interview. “You almost want to punish yourself. I know I’m never going to win the battle of public opinion. Honestly, I almost felt like at one point that it wasn’t worth living. I see why people commit suicide. It hurt that bad. I was low, real low. It hurt that bad because you worked your whole life to do all the right things and then you’re the world’s most hated person. It was really tough. My daughter, oh Lord, I grew up without a father, there’s no way I could check out on my own family.”

Rice is hopeful that he will get a second chance to play in the NFL. He tells the Sun, “I’m optimistic that I’ll get a second chance,” he said. “I don’t think this boils down to whether I can play football or not. Obviously, I know that. I just think there’s so much more that comes with it. I know the PR side of it will be tough. I understand that.”

He added: “I don’t want my career to be defined by this one moment. I’ve been smart with money and the NFL is a great-paying game, but I really want to get back out there for my pride and to be able to leave the game with dignity. I don’t ever want to feel exiled out because I wasn’t that guy. … I know I’m not ready to call it quits yet.”

The “anniversary” of the night that changed his life passed in February. Here’s to hoping he learned from his mistakes and is taking the necessary steps to never let it happen again. 

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