After several months of controversy, TMZ released video footage of Ray Rice’s physical abuse of his then-fiancée. The event was previously downplayed by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, as well as Rice and other members of the Baltimore Ravens organization. The video’s release prompted public outrage, Rice’s termination from the Ravens, as well as his indefinite suspension from the NFL.
EA has stepped into the ring to show its stance on domestic abuse by outright removing Rice from Madden NFL 15‘s roster. This big move has been confirmed via the official Madden NFL Twitter account:
With Ray Rice’s indefinite suspension from the NFL, he will be removed from Madden NFL 15. The roster change will take place by this Friday.
Ray Rice holds an 83 overall rating in Madden NFL 15, and is the starting halfback for the team. However, he was previously suspended for the first two weeks of the season which placed Justin Forsett and Bernard Pierce in the hot seat, who combined for 84 yards during the Baltimore Ravens’ 16-23 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Although his punishment may seem harsh, the video footage of the altercation shows Rice knocking out his fiancée in public, and then proceeding to drag her along the floor without any sense care in the world. One can only imagine what he does in private.
Also See: Video of Ray Rice Knocking Out His Fiancée
The series of events has been compared to Michael Vick’s dog fighting charges, which would lead to a long road to recovery. Although he has served time in prison and apologized on several occasions for his actions, his public reputation has never been the same.
As mentioned in EA’s Twitter post, the next roster update will be published later this week. With Ray Rice indefinitely suspended, he may be missing from the game for the majority of the season, if not all of it.
