My take.
What Rice did was despicable.
I think in many cases, people become prone to violence because they were raised in violent homes or neighborhoods, and they are conditioned to believe violence is a way to resolve conflict.
I don't see that issue being any different from addiction, or anxiety or depression -- with treatment, one can be rehabilitated.
Therefore I don't necessarily condemn Rice any more than I would a person with a drug problem, provided they are remorseful and seek treatment.
In the video, the fiancé is violent toward Rice too, which is equally despicable. Neither violent act justifies the other.
Both of them need treatment to learn how to resolve conflict without hitting each other. If Rice is in treatment and is trying to be a better husband, then she needs to be part of that process and be a better wife too. We can all do better. We learn and grow until the day we die IMO. Some people have farther to travel than others.
I rewatched the press conference with Rice and his wife today. He seemed remorseful and got emotional. I don't know how genuine he was, or if he's in treatment. I don't pretend to know the intimate details of these peoples' lives. Maybe it was all for show, I honestly can't say one way or the other.
IMO, the NFL's policy should include a treatment component. This is a complex issue and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
I'm almost as sickened by all the condemnation of Rice as I am of that video. For all we know, he could have learned from the experience, could be in treatment, and their marriage could be headed toward normalcy. I know he was an active role model in the community before this, and now he's just a pile of crap in the eyes of many. We are complex beings and none of us are 100% good or 100% bad.
The above is in no way excusing Rice's behavior, or blaming his wife, nor a case for letting him off scot free. I'm simply pointing out that the media and social media have completely torn down this human being based on the video, but I've seen nothing reported of what he's done since then to rehabilitate himself.
If people aren't capable of redemption, then the punishment for every crime should be the death penalty. If we can agree it's possible for Rice to rehabilitate himself through treatment, then there should be a path to reinstatement. In the meantime, it would be best if everyone would stop with the sanctimonious judgments.
Today's suspension was overdue but appropriate. And if Rice can show that he has taken full responsibility and is in ongoing treatment, there should be a hearing where he can be reinstated. If it is shown he lied and covered up facts and isn't taking this seriously, it should be a lifetime ban.