Ben Carson, the noted neurologist and potential Republican candidate for president in 2016, said ex-Baltimore Ravens’ running back Ray Rice needs help and the American public should refrain from demonizing him.
Mr. Rice was let go Monday — and given an indefinite NFL suspension — after video emerged of him punching his now-wife in the face with his fist, knocking her into an elevator railing and out cold. The video then showed Mr. Rice dragging Janay Palmer’s limp body from the elevator.
“I’m hopeful that they will get some help for him. Obviously, anyone who would do something like that needs some help,” Dr. Carson said, on Newsmax TV. “Let’s not all jump on the bandwagon of demonizing this guy. He obviously has some real problems.
“His wife knows that because she subsequently married him,” Dr. Carson added.
The couple married in March, a month after the violent encounter.
Mr. Rice has since apologized for the violence. And Mr. Carson said both Mr. Rice and his wife now need counseling and professional help.
“They both need some help,” he said. “Rather than just jumping on an imputative bandwagon, let’s see if we can get some help for these people.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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