Ray Rice will never again play for the Ravens, but his actions will affect how the organization constructs its roster going forward.
General manager Ozzie Newsome acknowledged Tuesday that heightened consideration will be given to a player's background while assessing free agents and draft prospects this offseason. Chalk it up as a lesson learned from the tumultuous 2014 season brought on by Rice's domestic abuse case that rocked the franchise.
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Ozzie Newsome: 'It will be tough to bring a player to Baltimore with domestic abuse in their background.'
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) February 24, 2015Rice was released by the Ravens in September and suspended by the NFL in the fallout of a video showing him knocking out his then-fiancee in an elevator. The running back was cleared to play again in November and is free to sign with any team as a free agent this offseason ... if one should be willing to take on the baggage that will come with Rice.
Newsome said he'll be happy if Rice signs with another team.
Ozzie Newsome: 'If (Rice) gets the opportunity to play with another club, I'll be happy for it.'
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) February 24, 2015Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, president Dick Cass and head coach John Harbaugh also spoke during the team's "State of the Ravens" address, discussing challenges that lie ahead as they attempt to put 2014 behind them, including re-signing pending free agents Haloti Ngata, Torrey Smith and Justin Forsett.
While Bisciotti called the 2014 season a success on the field, it was the toughest of his tenure as an owner in every other aspect.
Steve Bisciotti: 'It was my worst year as an owner. I had 14 good years and then an absolutely crappy year.'
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) February 24, 2015Steve Bisciotti quipped: 'I am off suicide watch. I am stable mentally. I will probably be your owner for a while.'
— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) February 24, 2015