Former Raven And His Wife Comment On Rice Case In Interview With Dr. Phil

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A former teammate of Ray Rice says alcohol played a role in the elevator punch. His wife says Janay is frustrated because of criticism she's gotten for staying in her marriage.

Investigators Mike Hellgren has the new developments.

Former Raven Chris Johnson and his wife made the comments in an interview with Dr. Phil. It comes as yet another pro football player faces domestic violence charges. The commissioner is staying silent.

With the NFL still reeling from the stunning Ray Rice video, yet another player--the Arizona Cardinals' Jonathan Dwyer--was charged with abusing his girlfriend and his 18-month-old son.

Dr. Phil lashed out at the league and again put a spotlight on the Rice case, interviewing Rice's friend and former teammate Chris Johnson, who said he was speechless after seeing the elevator video.

Related Story: Ravens To Offer Ray Rice Jersey Exchange This Weekend

"He's not a violent guy. Janay is not a violent woman. I think in that instance, it was alcohol-involved and some tempers flared and he made a terrible mistake," Johnson said.

Johnson's wife, Mioshi, has counseled Rice's wife, Janay.

"It's been times when we've had to have hard conversations and cry together and pray together," she said.

She says Janay is hurt by those who've criticized her for staying in the marriage.

"She's crazy. She's stupid. She's a battered woman. We've heard it all, and none of that pertains to any of the women who are victims," Mioshi Johnson said.

Chris Johnson's own sister was murdered by her estranged boyfriend.

"To see my mom break down, to see her daughter get killed like a dog in front of her, I couldn't do anything. And I felt like I failed my mom because I wasn't there at the time when my family needed me," he said.

Pressure is mounting on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has stayed largely out of the public eye, as the conversation stays on what his league is doing to stop domestic violence.

"We can't accept that as players. We can't accept that from our teammates," New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning said.

Goodell's testimony will be key in Ray Rice's appeal of his indefinite suspension. A hearing date must be set by next week.

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