Atlantic City Judge Michael Donio dismissed Thursday domestic violence charges against the former Baltimore Ravens running back, citing the defendant’s completion of a pretrial intervention program.
A third-degree felony charge of aggravated assault against Rice is now dismissed following his successful completion of the intervention program, which includes anger-management counseling, and a year of supervised probation.
Rice struck his fiance Janay Palmer in the face and knocked her out during an argument inside an Atlantic City casino elevator.
The incident initially landed him only a two-game suspension from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, which Goodell later reversed and then made an, “indefinite” suspension in what turned out to be an embarrassing episode for the league.
An arbiter later overturned that indefinite suspension, and Thursday’s dismissal of criminal charges may well pave the way for Rice’s return to football.
The Baltimore Ravens have terminated his contract, and Rice is free to sign with any team.
The former Rutgers star rushed for over 6,100 yards in six seasons with the Ravens.
