NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses Ray Rice suspension

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke to reporters Friday at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, about Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice and the league's policy against domestic violence.

This is the first time Goodell has addressed the media since Rice was issued a two-game suspension for allegedly assaulting his then-fiancee (now wife) in a February altercation inside a casino elevator.

Some of Goodell's remarks were relayed on Twitter by Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun

Roger Goodell speaking to reporters in Canton: 'We have a very firm policy that domestic violence is not acceptable in the NFL.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 1, 2014

Roger Goodell: 'We have to remain consistent. We can't just make up the discipline. It has to be consistent with other cases and it was.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 1, 2014

Roger Goodell: 'I think what's important here is Ray is taking responsibility. He's been accountable for his actions.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 1, 2014

Roger Goodell: 'In this case, there was no discipline by the criminal justice system, he was put into a diversionary program.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 1, 2014

At a news conference on Thursday, Rice addressed the media for the first time since being issued the suspension. "Violence of any kind, especially man on woman, is not right," Rice said. "I have to pay for that."

A group of senators on Thursday sent a letter to Goodell urging him to increase the severity of the punishment handed down to Rice.

More: Lenient penalty for Ray Rice troubling proof of where NFL's priorities lie

- Chris Johnson

Add us as a preferred source on Google