A Baltimore pizzeria is taking advantage of the outrage sparked by the actions of former Baltimore Raven's runningback Ray Rice and using it to do some good in a situation that is almost all bad.
A local restaurant, Hersh's Pizza and Drinks, will be giving a free pizza to any person who trades in their Rice jerseys, saying the jersey's will save the restaurant on toilet paper.
"Dear Lovers of Women, Not Hitting Women, Non Violence and Just Generally Being a Good Person, Come trade your Ray Rice Ravens Jersey in for a free pizza at Hersh's. These jerseys will save us money on toilet paper this week. #CutRayRice," reads the restaurants Facebook post. Hersh's is currently asking fans on Facebook what should be done will all the collected jerseys.
Hersh's will also be donating $2.70 for each jersey brought in to the local charity House of Ruth Maryland, a non-profit organization that helps women and children who are victims of domestic violence.
A surveillance video surfaced yesterday via TMZ of Rice punching his then fiance, now wife, in an elevator. The blow knocked her unconscious, and Rice can then be seen dragging her out of the elevator.
Rice was previously suspended for two games because of the incident, but according to a statement made by an NFL, the video was not available to them during their investigation. Once the tape was released, Rice was cut from the Ravens and suspended indefinitely.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says he "didn't get it right" the first time with Rice's punishment. Last week Goodell announced the NFL will be taking a tougher stance on domestic violence, with a first offense resulting in a six-game ban, and an indefinite ban from the game for a second offense committed by an NFL personnel.
Fans and NFL players alike are calling for Rice to removed from the sport, but that isn't stopping some less than savory characters from speaking their mind.
While many of the comments on Hersh's Facebook posts announcing the jersey trade are positive and encouraging, a disappointing number are not. Several commenters have taken Rice's side, and go on to say that they will never again eat at Hersh's restaurant. It looks like it is doubtful the restaurant cares about losing the business of domestic violence sympathizers.
The campaign is spreading to other local businesses as well.
Anyone who surrenders their Ray Rice jerseys at the bar will receive a $10 bar tab. No. Questions. Asked.
— No Idea Tavern (@NoIdeaTavern) September 8, 2014
No Idea Tavern will be matching Hersh's $2.70 donation per jersey to benefit House of Ruth Maryland.
