Ray Rice open to helping Kareem Hunt

Ex-NFL running back Ray Rice said he is willing to work with Kareem Hunt following his release from the Kansas City Chiefs for lying about an incident in which he shoved and kicked a woman.

"Peer-to-peer, I would definitely try to help him figure out, 'How can we start dealing with the underlying problems in your life?'" Rice told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. "Because he has a long life to live, this will be a defining moment, but it shouldn't be the moment that defines you. For me, I just see you have a long life to live and that doesn't mean just playing football - you need to just live one day at a time."

Rice acknowledged the similarities in his and Hunt's situations. Rice was indefinitely suspended and released by the Baltimore Ravens in 2014 after a video was released of him punching his now-wife Janay in an Atlantic City elevator.

Hunt is reportedly facing a ban of more than six games after video of his February altercation surfaced Friday, and the NFL is apparently investigating him for a separate alleged assault in June.

While Rice never again played in the NFL, he has become an advocate against domestic violence, speaking to several teams and at the NFL Players Association rookie program.

His advice to Hunt is to look at the circumstances that led to his actions and to surround himself with more positive influences.

"In that moment right there, you go back and you think about your own self," Rice said. "First, I would look at the situation and say, 'How did I even get in that moment?' Because whatever what was done in that moment, something transpired before it even got there.

"And honestly, while I don't know if alcohol or any substances were involved, I know those things can often play a role. I am not blaming anyone who was with him, but I wish someone that was with him, if he's not in his right mind ... would've said to him, 'Look at the situation. Is it worth risking it all for a split-second decision - for something you know you can get out of?'"

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