I don't claim to know what is worse, racism or assault, but I'm leaning towards assault, for obvious reasons. One states his racist views on the privacy of his own home, one literally knocks his girlfriend out with a few punches. The racist is fined $2.5 million dollars and will likely be forced to sell what he owned for 30+ years - while the one who knocks his wife out cold, and then drags her by her legs and leaves her lying there instead of helping her up - well he gets intervention, and a free pass if he complies. And not even a suspension yet from the team or the league. But I assure you he won't be banned for life.

MAYS LANDING, N.J. (AP) -- Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice pleaded not guilty Thursday to assault charges stemming from an incident with his then-girlfriend in an Atlantic City casino elevator and applied for New Jersey's pretrial intervention program.

The intervention program allows first-time offenders to have charges against them dismissed after participating in the program and meeting certain conditions. The county prosecutor will decide whether Rice is allowed to enter the program.

If not, prosecutors have offered Rice a plea bargain that would spare him jail time if he participates in anger management counseling.

The 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.''

Rice pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury during the Feb. 15 incident at Revel Casino Hotel.

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