Ray Rice Elevator Video News: 'I Have to be Strong for my Wife,' Says Ravens RB

A day after the second video of the alleged assault on his wife was released and after getting cut from the Baltimore Ravens, former running back Ray Rice issued a statement saying that his family is intact even after the recent turn of events.

In a text message sent to ESPN and quoted by USA Today, Rice said that he and his family remain united and strong.  

"I have to be strong for my wife. She is so strong. We are in good spirits. We have a lot of people praying for us and we'll continue to support each other. I have to be there for (Janay) and my family right now and work through this."

The statement also indicated that the former NFL player is keeping his cool for his wife and kid. "That's all I can do right now," Rice added.

Meanwhile, his wife Janay, who was seen knocked out unconscious in the recent video of the incident that happened in an Atlantic City casino, took out all her emotions on Instagram and even defended Rice for his actions.

"What don't you all get. If your intentions were to hurt us, embarrass us, make us feel alone, take all happiness away, you've succeeded on so many levels. Just know we will continue to grow & show the world what real love is!" she added in a post which was quoted by USA Today.

She added:

"I feel like I'm mourning the death of my closest friend. But to have to accept the fact that it's reality is a nightmare in itself. No one knows the pain that [the] media & unwanted options from the public has caused my family. To make us relive a moment in our lives that we regret every day is a horrible thing. To take something away from the man I love that he has worked his ass [off] for all his life just to gain ratings is horrific."

After learning about and watching the video, the Ravens announced that they have already terminated Rice's contract. The NFL, via Commissioner Roger Goodell, denied claims that they already obtained a copy of the footage.

"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.

Clearly, the Rice family is eager to move on from the incident but the media and the whole NFL society is not letting this incident pass.

According to the New York Times, the league is still being questioned for the way they handled the domestic abuse case involving Rice.

Aside from the team and the league cutting connections with the former NFL running back, Nike and EA Sports have also announced that they have severed ties with Rice who has been previously tapped to endorse their products.