Ray Rice Video: Baltimore Ravens Terminate Running Back’s Contract After Graphic Footage Emerges

A video of Ray Rice released Monday showing the running back knocking out his fiancee has led to his release from the Baltimore Ravens.

Early on Monday the news outlet TMZ Sports released a video showing Rice punching his fiancee in the face in an Atlantic City hotel elevator. The team announced his release just hours later, offering no comment on the video or Rice’s status.

The Ray Rice video shows the running back and fiancee Janay Palmer in fight inside the elevator. Both had hit the other before Rice knocked Palmer off her feet.

A previous video was released showing the aftermath of the fight, with Rice dragging an unconscious Palmer out of the elevator.

The Ray Rice video has drawn controversy around the league, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issuing a penalty of just two games. Many criticized Goodell for the lenient penalty, prompting the NFL to implement strict new policies on domestic violence and assault. Those who violate the rules are subject to a six-game suspension for a first offense and a lifetime ban for a second.

In his letter to NFL owners, Roger Goodell admitted he was wrong with Ray Rice’s suspension and said the new rules were a chance for the league to make a statement.

“At times, however, and despite our best efforts, we fall short of our goals. We clearly did so in response to a recent incident of domestic violence. We allowed our standards to fall below where they should be and lost an important opportunity to emphasize our strong stance on a critical issue and the effective programs we have in place. My disciplinary decision led the public to question our sincerity, our commitment, and whether we understood the toll that domestic violence inflicts on so many families. I take responsibility both for the decision and for ensuring that our actions in the future properly reflect our values. I didn’t get it right. Simply put, we have to do better. And we will.”

The NFL claims it never saw the Ray Rice video until Monday.