The Baltimore Ravens announced Monday they have terminated running back Ray Rice’s contract after elevator surveillance video released by TMZ shows the apparent moment Rice punches then-fiancée Janay Palmer, knocking her out.
The incident took place at Atlantic City’s Revel casino on Feb. 15, and following Rice’s arrest, he was given a mere two-game suspension and fined over $500,000.
The newly leaked video shows Rice punching Palmer twice in the face, causing her to fall after the second. She hits her head on a handrail inside the elevator on her way down and appears to be out cold.
When the elevator doors open, Rice drags her out.
A spokesperson for the NFL says the video from inside the elevator “was not made available” during their investigation, reports NBC Washington.
However, after the mishandling of the NFL’s investigation and punishment, in August, Commissioner Roger Goodell implemented a six-game suspension for NFL personnel who are charged with domestic violence or sexual assault and banishment from the league after a second offense.
Baltimore tweeted Monday:
The #Ravens have terminated RB Ray Rice's contract this afternoon.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 8, 2014
Following an initial charge of simple assault, a grand jury later upgraded Rice’s charge to the more serious charge of aggravated assault in March.
The couple, who has since married, has yet to make a statement regarding the leaked elevator footage.
Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.