The inclusion of Ray Rice in New Rochelle’s 2017 Walk of Fame class is spurring some mixed reactions.
The Baltimore Ravens running back and New Rochelle native was seen assaulting his now-wife in an infamous video from 2014 taken inside an Atlantic City casino. The video cost Ray Rice his NFL career, and he was indicted for aggravated assault.
Rice apologized for the incident and vowed to donate his salary to domestic violence charities if he was signed to another team.
The incident sparked changes with how the NFL deals with domestic violence.
Barbara Davis, the New Rochelle city historian, announced that Rice will be inducted into the Walk of Fame in front of the public library. Davis says Rice’s plaque will address what happened.
"We felt we couldn't have NFL players without Ray Rice,” she says.
Some fans say it’s a well-deserved honor.
"He was one of the best football players at the time. What he did was a mistake, but they should have his picture here,” says Brian Sten, of New Rochelle.
Other residents took to social media to voice opposition, including a tweet saying, “I really got a sick feeling in my stomach when I read this.”
The induction ceremony is scheduled for May 12.