Can we forgive?

Last semester I learned how to write an apology speech and studied a few speeches given over the last few years.This form of writing could be called crisis writing, because it is often used when someone is trying to control the damage of someone else’s behavior. This week I learned that in sports communication that these speeches are given often. When delivered to a sports audience these are viewed as win or lose situations.  

Ray Rice comes to mind as a player who apologized for poor actions. Ray had worked for the NFL for six seasons and was active in his community. He wanted to make the world a better place and promoted anti-bulling campaigns. He lost his temper one night and someone caught it on film. Rice assaulted his girlfriend. He faced the law, and attended domestic violence treatment. He now promotes treatment for domestic violence. All other domestic violence incidents are compared to his.

My initial reaction to Rice's actions were probably shared my many who listened to the story. No one deserves to be hit, let alone how extreme the actions were. I was glad as a celebrity he was facing the law like everyone else. I was glad that the NFL ended his contract. Ending the contract said more to people all over the country and the world that domestic violence will not be permitted or looked the other way. Our government supports programs to prevent and help treat people who have domestic violence in their life. 

If you suspect domestic violence is going in in a friends relationship open up a conversation.  That conversation may be hard, but could save a life, or help them get treatment before something "big" happens.


Rice has said he was sorry several times and was disciplined by the NFL. While I appreciate the 0 tolerance policy the NFL took about domestic violence, should we as a national audience forgive him? Or was this act so unforgivable that he should be punished for this the rest of his life? His girlfriend, now wife, forgave him. Rice tried out for the NFL again for the 2016 season willing to donate all his pay to domestic violence awareness. He was not selected for any teams. While I respect that the NFL did not want to keep Rice on the roster because of poor choices, I would like to see Rice have a chance to prove he is a changed man. 

If apology speeches are judged as a win or lose situation, Rice's speech lost to the NFL, but to me a fan, he won. Because his actions afterword followed up with his words. My vote doesn't count. I do believe people can change with desire and teaching and deserve a chance to prove it.