One Second. That was all that was needed to cost Ray Rice his career. Just one second of bad judgement, and now a former Super Bowl champion is a public enemy, the poster child for domestic abuse, the punchline of jokes, and of course, unemployed.

This moment of bad judgement occurred within an Atlantic City hotel elevator. Ray Rice and his then fiance Janay Palmer were walking toward the elevator. As the two entered, clearly intoxicated, Janay and Ray both reached for the button. The two then exchanged words, prompting Janay to strike Ray, which in turn caused Ray to spit in Janay’s face.

Pause. Before the next part is revealed, I believe if Ray would have stopped and processed his next move, he could still possibly be in the league, helping the Ravens run attack but, alas, we all make mistakes. Unfortunately Ray’s mistake cost him his career.

Resume. Janay reacts to Ray’s spit causing her to charge blinding. It was here that Ray drops the final curtain on what to me was a very satisfying fantasy career as he viciously connects on a punch that knocks Janay out.

Now, the idea of Rice as a public enemy could stop there, and at one point it did, as the NFL only gave him a two game suspension after seeing video of Ray dragging his wife like a bear dragging the carcass of a deer. The suspension was, however, changed to a lifetime ban after the video which I described was leaked.  Thanks alot TMZ.

In the end, however, I believe Rice deserves his punishment. However, shame on the NFL for having Janay state her claim within 5 feet of the man who turned her into a punching bag. Also, shame on Ray Rice for his deplorable action. The fact that you would even lay hands on your wife is a heinous act, and the fact that your action has turned you into a public enemy is not even enough of a punishment for you to endure. I hope that the indefinite suspension will be a wake up call for you as a person, not a player, to change your ways and realize that this is not the 18th century where women are treated like dirt and having an opinion could mean death. No this is the 21st century where domestic abuse is unacceptable, women are treated equally like an other person, and any opinion a person feels is important.