ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Ravens running back Ray Rice and his fiancee were arrested over the weekend after a fight at a casino in Atlantic City, according a statement from the Atlantic City Police Department.
Casino security called officers to the Revel Casino at about 2:50 a.m. Saturday after a domestic dispute between Rice and Janay Palmer that was recorded by video surveillance, according to a statement from police. Footage appeared to show both parties involved in a physical altercation.
“The complaint summons indicates that both Rice and Palmer struck each other with their hands,” the statement said.
Both refused medical attention and did not report any injuries. Rice, 27, and Palmer, 26, were charged with simple assault-domestic violence and were released on a summons to appear in court.
Rice's attorney, Andrew Alperstein, described the allegations as a “very minor physical altercation” with Palmer.
According to Chad Steele, the Ravens' director of public relations: “We are aware of the Friday night situation with Ray Rice and his fiancee. We have spoken with Ray, and know that they returned home together after being detained.”
The Revel Casino security department declined to comment when reached earlier Sunday. Michael Diamondstein, a Philadelphia-based attorney, has been hired to represent Rice.
“We haven't seen any charging documents yet,” Diamondstein said. “There was an argument that included Ray. I can't give any specifics because we haven't seen the document yet.”
“Once we're able to go through the evidence, it should wind up to be little more than a misunderstanding,” Diamondstein said.
Rice was with a group of about eight people earlier in the night at Royal Jelly Burlesque Nightclub located inside the casino, said Scott Russo, the director of operations for the club.
“When he was here, they were having a great time – no issues – [Rice] was very nice to our staff,” Russo said.
He said Rice has been to the club before.
“We took care of him like we do any of the celebrities that come in,” Russo said.
Since getting drafted out of Rutgers in the second round of the 2008 draft, Rice has been one of the Ravens' most popular and productive players. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Rice has rushed for 6,180 yards and 37 touchdowns over six NFL seasons.
However, he's coming off his most disappointing season as a pro: He was limited to 660 rushing yards and four touchdowns this past season as the Ravens missed the playoffs for the first time since he's been on the team.
Rice, who signed a five-year, $35 million deal with the Ravens in July 2012, has also been one of the organization's most active players in the community. He's been especially active in anti-bullying campaigns.
Baltimore Sun reporters Jeff Zrebiec and Aaron Wilson contributed to this article with reporting from Balitmore.
