Ray Rice free to play NFL again after winning suspension appeal

The former Baltimore Ravens running back is eligible to play in the NFL again

Ray Rice has won his appeal of his NFL suspension for violating the organisation's domestic violence policy. Rice was released by the Ravens earlier this year after the NFL suspended him indefinitely. The ban arose months after video footage initially surfaced, in February, of an altercation between Rice and Janay Palmer. Rice was later arrested and charged with assault on Palmer, who became Janay Rice when the couple married in March. In a personal statement, released by the NFL Players Association, Rice commented, 'I would like to thank Judge Barbara Jones, the NFL Players Association, my attorneys, agents, advisors, family, friends and fans - but most importantly, my wife Janay. I made an inexcusable mistake and accept full responsibility for my actions. 'I am thankful that there was a proper appeals process in place to address this issue. I will continue working hard to improve myself and be the best husband, father and friend, while giving back to my community and helping others to learn from my mistakes.' An NFL spokesperson said the league accepted the appeal findings. It is not clear whether Rice will feature for any NFL franchise before the season is out but he is eligible to play.