Ray Rice Video Punching Wife Leaked; Ravens Cut RB From Team

A new footage of Ray Rice punching his wife inside an elevator in Atlantic City last Feb. 15 was released online, sparking public outrage which led to the termination of the quarterback's contract with the Baltimore Ravens.

Warning: The following video contains scenes of domestic violence.

In the video released by TMZ, it can be seen that Ray and his then-fiancee and now wife, Janay Rice, were arguing prior to entering the elevator. While inside the elevator, Ray initially hit Janay prompting her to fight back. It was at this instance that Ray punched his partner on the jaw knocking her unconscious on the elevator floor. Ray can also be seen dragging Janay out of the elevator.

According to Yahoo Sports, after the altercation, "Ray and Janay Rice were both arrested on simple assault charges and released. Ray Rice could have his charges dropped if he completes a diversion program. Janay Rice's charges were dropped."

Yahoo Sports noted that the video clearly shows how "brutal" the attack was and how the NFL has allegedly refused to see the enormity of the incident even after watching a closed-circuit television footage. Initially, Ray was only issued a two-game suspension.

Earlier, team executives have also expressed their support for Ray when the assault issue emerged but that was before the second video was released.

It can be recalled that Ravens general manager, Ozzie Newsome, told Yahoo Sports in a separate article that the team "respect the efforts Ray has made to become the best partner and father he can be. That night was not typical of the Ray Rice we know and respect."

Head coach Jon Harbaugh, on the other hand, said that Ray will always be part of their team noting that they are not condoning his action as every person makes mistakes.

But now it seems that the events have taken a complete turn.

In a statement released by TMZ, the NFL clarified that they were not given a copy of the footage inside the elevator before it was shared to the public.

"We requested from law enforcement any and all information about the incident, including the video from inside the elevator. That video was not made available to us and no one in our office has seen it until today," the NFL noted.

In response to the new video released, the Ravens, through their Twitter page, announced that they have already terminated Ray's contract.

Vox reported that the quarterback's version of the events was different from what the CCTV footage showed and that this discrepancy led to his indefinite suspension from the NFL and being kicked out of the his team.