For those of you who do not know, NFL player Ray Rice is facing criminal charges for punching his new bride in the face earlier this year. TMZ recently released the infamous video containing evidence of what happened that night and it is now a big topic of conversation.

Since the release of this video, Rice has been let go from the Ravens and faces indefinite suspension from the NFL. I completely agree with the decision thus far, and if it were up to me, he should not be allowed to play professional football ever again. His suspension should be permanent.

Domestic violence is a hot-button issue in this country. It is highly frowned upon between both sexes, especially men. I want to make a point in saying that I do not agree with domestic violence from either sex. Women should not hit men and men should not hit women. That is a double standard that I hope one day is eliminated. But in this country, it is mostly frowned upon when a man hits a woman.

I understand that a lot of domestic violence goes on that is not reported, especially with people who are not in the spotlight. Those who are generally not famous do not always get in trouble. This causes some controversy because some may argue that visible athletes get harsher punishments such as getting suspended from the NFL. SInce they are athletes they are held to a higher standard. That also means that just because they are athletes does not mean they are exempt from the same rules that everyone else has to follow. Since they are held to a higher degree it looks like their punishment is “harsher.”

Another thing that I would like to point out is athletes are role models for young kids. If young kids get it in their head that athletes that hold high power can get out of anything because they are an athlete, kids are going to think that if they play sports they can get out of punishment.

Ray Rice got what he deserved. If he isn’t going to abide by the rules of the NFL, he should not be able to have those opportunities any more. I do not care how good he is or how much of an asset he is to the team. He committed a crime, which is breaking the rules enforced by the NFL, and since he broke the rules he gets punishment. Plain and simple. Give the position to someone who deserves it. Someone who will not take for granted the opportunity they have been given and will follow the rules.

Sports are a great source of entertainment, but it’s athletes like Rice that disgrace the game, the team and players in the league. There is no excuse for what Rice has done. He is in the wrong. It was entirely his fault. No one can spin that any other way. Bottom line is, he should not be allowed to play for NFL anymore. He needs to pay the price for what he has done and deal with the consequences of his actions.