Domestic violence prevention group wants Ray Rice to get second chance in NFL: Report

A group known as "A CALL TO MEN," which "encourages men to end violence against women," thinks Ray Rice deserves a second chance to play in the NFL.

After seeing the ex-Baltimore Ravens running back speak to high school and college students about the error of his ways over the past nine months, the group's co-founder Ted Bunch told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the disgraced Rice is ready for another shot at resuming his career as professional football player.

"He's held himself accountable," said Bunch. "He is saying everything that you would want him to say and doing everything that you would want him to do. So why wouldn't he deserve another chance? His work in the area of educating young men is more important than him getting back on the field. He knows that and has said that to us. He is seeing the bigger picture. He has a desire to compete again, but also to make a difference in the world. This is what mistakes should be about; learning from them and teaching others. We've been in front of a lot of batterers. He is as transparent as I've seen, and as sincere as I've seen."

The group's other co-founder, Terry Porter, added, "We have been around a lot of abusive men, but our experience with Ray has been tremendously positive. We feel strongly about him having the opportunity of having a second chance. He's deserving of it. ... A lot of people think we should kick him to the curb and his name should be mud forever. But how great would it be if everyone who made a mistake made it their mission to make sure a million people don't make the same mistake?"

The big question, wondered Schefter, was if any teams would be interested in signing a 28-year-old running back who hasn't played since 2013?

Rice claims he is working out daily and isn't motivated by money. But, it seems, that image of him standing over his then-fiancee in that Atlantic City elevator will be remembered more than any of his achievements on the field.