Bernard Pierce

Ray Rice and Janay Palmer whom he married in March, got into a physical altercation on Feb. 15 at Revel Casino in Atlantic City, N.J., according to police.

Rice and Palmer were both originally facing simple assault-domestic violence charges. After Atlantic City police referred the case to prosecutors for review, the charges were upgraded to the more serious charge of third-degree aggravated assault when Rice was indicted by a grand jury.

Palmer, who was arrested along with Rice the night of the incident, had her case administratively dismissed.
According to the indictment, Rice allegedly did "cause significant bodily injury to Janay Palmer, and/or did purposely or knowingly cause significant bodily injury to Janay Palmer and/or under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, did recklessly cause significant bodily injury to Janay Palmer."

Should Rice be convicted of aggravated assault, Rice could face jail time. However, as a first-time offender, Rice could potentially avoid that outcome through a diversionary program.

This isn't just going away. Rice will likely face a suspension if he is convicted, but the case may not go to trial before the 2014 season. If he is suspended this year, his stock will take a major hit and Bernard Pierce would get a bump.