We have seen the video, heard the commentary from basically every network, and have formulated our own opinions about Ray Rice. Safe to say these opinions are not positive at all and they shouldn’t be. There is never an excusable time to lay a hand on anyone, especially when angry.

But that is not the only issue at hand. At the moment, Rice is suspended indefinitely, which means the ban can be lifted whenever. 

This leads to the topic that needs to be addressed: should Rice be allowed to set foot on a NFL field ever again? Actually, a better question is whether Rice should even have the opportunity to try and find a team willing to deal with the baggage he will inevitably bring to the locker room.

The answer is no. He should never play again. Anyone who commits a crime should not be allowed to play in the NFL or any other professional sport.

It is a privilege, not a right, to be a professional athlete.

The power that being an exceptional athlete brings does not excuse someone from killing and/or abusing another person (or animal). Non-athletes that commit these types of crimes lose their jobs and can be thrown in prison. 

SEE MORE: The NFL Did Receive The Ray Rice Videotapes

Most athletes simply are suspended a few games and lose a couple paychecks.

So no, the NFL should not let Rice play ever again. Donté Stallworth shouldn’t have played again after killing someone. Josh Brent shouldn’t play again after killing his teammate in a car wreck a few years ago. Michael Vick should not have played again after killing dogs.

All of these instances show that the NFL viewed talent over breaking the law. While second chances and reclamation projects can make nice stories, it doesn’t change the fact that these men did horrendous things.

For an image-driven league like the NFL, having so many bad boys running around was bound to catch up to it eventually. It just so happens that it took a grainy elevator video to finally bring these violence issues to the forefront of national discussion and scrutiny.

But the precedent has been set that atrocious behavior does not stop a player from playing in the NFL again. That is why it shouldn’t come as a shock to see Rice suited up again in the coming years.

Should Rice play again? No.

Will he play again? Probably.