While former Baltimore Ravens player Ray Rice is facing intense criticism after the release of a video showing him hitting his then-fiancée, some people in his hometown of New Rochelle are standing by his side.

Long before Rice was a Super Bowl champion, Fosina coached and mentored him during his New Rochelle childhood. In turn, Rice has given back to the community, which has annually held a Ray Rice Day.

Now Rice's career is on hold after TMZ on Monday released a video showing Rice striking then-fiancée Janay Palmer, whom he later married. She hits her head on a railing and is knocked unconscious.

The video sparked an outcry across the country, prompting the Ravens to release Rice and the NFL to ban him.

Still, Fosina isn't rushing to judgment. "This league as a whole, both its staff and coaches, are solid behind Ray," says Fosina.