Ray Rice could not say a lot about the February incident regarding him dragging his then-fiancée Janay Palmer out of a casino elevator that was caught on video that the whole world saw.
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Rice said a lot, nevertheless.
Speaking without a prepared statement, but Rice and his now-wife Janay Rice spoke about their attempts at turning a horrifying incident into an opportunity to better themselves during a news conference, USA TODAY Sports reported. Rice did consult notes on his cell phone.
"One thing that I do know is that I am working every day to be a better father, a better husband, a better role model," said Rice, who looked at his 2-year-old daughter Ravyn, who was in the auditorium.
"The best thing I can do is be a role model for her," said Rice.
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According to the report, the Baltimore Ravens running back approached the team's senior vice president of community relations, Kevin Byrne, and asked to have a news conference to talk about his altercation with Palmer at the Revel Casino that led to initial simple assault charges against Rice and Palmer and later turned into a charge - only against Rice - of third-degree aggravated assault.
"Ray has been eager to say something for a long time," Byrne told USA TODAY Sports. "... He came to me the other day and said he wanted to do this."
Byrne added that the Ravens wanted Rice to wait until next week because coach John Harbaugh and general manager Ozzie Newsome wanted to participate. Both had other commitments Friday.
"But Ray wants to say something and say something now," said Byrne.
Rice was full of contrition.
"I just want to first off apologize to (owner) Steve Bisciotti, Ozzie Newsome and Coach Harbaugh, and I also want to apologize to my fans, to the kids, everyone who was affected by this situation that me and my wife were in," said Rice.
Rice then turned to Janay and said, "I just want to thank her for loving me where I was weak and building me up where I was I strong through this whole situation.
Janay Rice then addressed the media, saying, "I do deeply regret the role that I played in the incident that night. But I can tell say that I am happy that we continue to work through it together, and we are continuing to strengthen our relationship and our marriage ... and working to being better parents for Ravyn and continuing to be role models.
"I love Ray, and I know he will continue to prove himself to not only you all (the media) but the community."
The Ravens said the couple could not take questions on the advice of their attorney and the NFL Players Association because his legal status still is pending.
Rice also faces potential discipline from the NFL.
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