Ray Rice Domestic Violence
THE RAY RICE CASE:
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN THE NFL
Mass media critical frameworks are methodologies or tools used to analyze media messages. I will be taking an in-depth look at the media’s portrayal of the “Ray Rice case” and discussing various concepts, theories, and terms to reach a critical understanding of the case as a media consumer and critic. Following my analysis I will then conclude with interpreting what was the media’s purpose throughout the coverage, and whether it was to inform, entertain, or persuade us as media consumers.
On February 15, 2014 former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice and his then-fiancée Janay Palmer were arrested in Atlantic City after a domestic altercation at the Revel Casino. Rice was then charged with assault for “attempting to cause bodily injury to J. Palmer, specifically by striking her with his hand, rendering her unconscious,” according to a summons in the Atlantic City Municipal Court. Media coverage of the case has been ongoing since its debut and has begun to shape many public opinions towards Rice, Commissioner Roger Goodell, and the National Football League as a whole.
Upon the release of partial video footage of the assault the NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, banned Rice for two games without pay and fined him $58,000. Many felt that this punishment was insufficient and this message was continued to be reinforced through constant media coverage on the matter. This then led to Goodell revising the league’s policy on assault, battery, domestic violence and sexual assault, instituting a six-game suspension for NFL personnel who violate the policy once, and a lifetime ban for those who do so twice. Although the revision seemed like a step in the right direction, what was to follow was like fuel to the fire for the media.
On September 4, 2014 a second video was released by TMZ Sports showing Rice physically punching Palmer in the face, knocking her unconscious in an elevator, and is then seen dragging her
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN THE NFL
Mass media critical frameworks are methodologies or tools used to analyze media messages. I will be taking an in-depth look at the media’s portrayal of the “Ray Rice case” and discussing various concepts, theories, and terms to reach a critical understanding of the case as a media consumer and critic. Following my analysis I will then conclude with interpreting what was the media’s purpose throughout the coverage, and whether it was to inform, entertain, or persuade us as media consumers.
On February 15, 2014 former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice and his then-fiancée Janay Palmer were arrested in Atlantic City after a domestic altercation at the Revel Casino. Rice was then charged with assault for “attempting to cause bodily injury to J. Palmer, specifically by striking her with his hand, rendering her unconscious,” according to a summons in the Atlantic City Municipal Court. Media coverage of the case has been ongoing since its debut and has begun to shape many public opinions towards Rice, Commissioner Roger Goodell, and the National Football League as a whole.
Upon the release of partial video footage of the assault the NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, banned Rice for two games without pay and fined him $58,000. Many felt that this punishment was insufficient and this message was continued to be reinforced through constant media coverage on the matter. This then led to Goodell revising the league’s policy on assault, battery, domestic violence and sexual assault, instituting a six-game suspension for NFL personnel who violate the policy once, and a lifetime ban for those who do so twice. Although the revision seemed like a step in the right direction, what was to follow was like fuel to the fire for the media.
On September 4, 2014 a second video was released by TMZ Sports showing Rice physically punching Palmer in the face, knocking her unconscious in an elevator, and is then seen dragging her