NFLPA Exec Dir DeMaurice Smith, in the union's first public comments since the release and suspension of Ray Rice, said, "The video is disturbing. As a father, as a husband -- when you see something like that, it's jarring. ... For our union and for our players, it's one of those things where you at least try to look at something positive. And that is the reminder how unacceptable any kind of violence, especially domestic violence, should be. It has no place in our lives, and certainly in our community" (SI.com, 9/8). In DC, Mark Maske notes dozens of current and former NFLers "sounded off on their social media accounts" in the wake of the Rice video. Broncos DT Terrance Knighton tweeted, "That man should be thrown out the (sic) the nfl and thrown into jail. Shame on those deciding his punishment." CBS' "That Other Pregame Show" panelist and former NFLer London Fletcher tweeted at NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's handle, "To say you got that wrong (with Rice’s initial two-game suspension) is an understatement. Very disappointed in you" (WASHINGTON POST, 9/9). In Baltimore, Jon Meoli writes the release of the video "left teammates who steadfastly supported him ... trying to separate the act that halted Rice's NFL career from the man who committed it." Ravens WR Torrey Smith: "It was probably a little more than what we expected." Ravens QB Tyrod Taylor: "It's been a tough day. I don't know if letdown is the word. I can't really put a term on it right now. It's kind of an awkward feeling" (Baltimore SUN, 9/9). Saints TE Benjamin Watson: "It's ugly." Saints OT Zach Strief: "This is a very upsetting, difficult thing to see. ... I don’t think there’s anyone in this locker room who is not disturbed by it" (Baton Rouge ADVOCATE, 9/9). Jets QB Michael Vick: "There’s just no room for that" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 9/9). In Denver, Mike Klis wrote Knighton "was believed to be the first NFL player to set the tone on Rice." Knighton: "I spoke on it, I gave my opinion and I think the league handled it the right way" (DENVER POST, 9/9).
