‘Today Show’ confirms interview with Ray Rice, wife Janay; will air next week

One of the worst-kept secrets in television has been finally confirmed. Next week, NBC’s “Today Show” is going to air the first television interview with Ray Rice and his wife Janay since the internet and media firestrom that followed his assault on her in an elevator earlier this year.

This move led to the Baltimore Ravens star being suspended indefinitely and cut by the team, but not before widespread criticism fell at the feet of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell for his decision to initially suspend the running back for two games prior to additional video evidence of the assault hitting the public. Their story has already led to an increase in awareness in domestic violence issues around the country, an episode of “Law & Order: SVU” that seemed to be in part inspired by this story, and also multiple campaigns to create harsher punishments for athletes who have been accused of such acts.

We are sure right away that there are going to be some who are not interested in watching this interview, but the timing of it seems to be intentional. Earlier today, it was announced that Rice has won an appeal that will lead to him being reinstated by the NFL. He is now free to once again pursue work in the league, but whether or not he actually will be able to is a completely different story.

The video below was released by NBC this afternoon, and it features Janay discussing her initial reaction to what happened, and in part the reason why she did not leave him.

Tell us: Is this an interview that you are even remotely interested in, and plan on watching when it arrives on “Today” Monday and Tuesday? Share in the comments, and head over here in the event you want to acquire some other TV news in your email via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: NBC.)

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