‘Happy Husband,' NFL Star in NJ Court on Casino Assault Charge

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice said he was a happily married father as he arrived Thursday at a New Jersey courthouse to face assault charges stemming from an incident with his then-girlfriend in an Atlantic City casino elevator.

Rice, a former Rutgers star, walked to the courthouse holding hands with the woman, who is now his wife. He said he is a “happy father and a happy husband.” When asked by reporters what he hoped would happen, Rice responded, “for you all to have a blessed day.”

The charge of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury involves a Feb. 15 incident at Revel Casino Hotel.

Security video obtained by TMZ Sports shows Rice removing the motionless body of Janay Palmer from the elevator. She did not comment as the two walked into the courthouse.

The couple married a day after Rice was indicted.

Originally, Palmer and Rice were charged with simple assault, but the Atlantic County prosecutor's office reviewed the case and dropped the charge against Palmer.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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