Seven weeks ago, Cleveland Browns defensive linemen Phil Taylor claimed that Baltimore Orioles RB Ray Rice spit in his face, which led to Taylor slapping the side of Rice’s helmet. Rice on Wednesday told ESPN.com that the incident is not what it seems.
“It was two guys jawing at each other,” Rice said Wednesday. “I had my mouthpiece in, so when I went to say something back to him it looked as if I projected toward him. But I had my mouthpiece in. I was saying something, he was saying something. Obviously, that’s what happened. We’ll leave it at that.”
Rice, who wasn’t fined by the league because the video was inconclusive. Rice wants the issue put in the past.
“Phil Taylor is a great young player,” Rice said. “He’s coming along very well and he’s making plays in their running game. He’s a dominant force. I have tremendous respect for him. As long as I’m in the AFC North, it looks like we’ll be going at each other two times a year.”
Rice did say he regretted the confrontation with Taylor, “I got to keep my head level in those situations,” Rice said. “I don’t ever want to feel myself in a situation where it seems like me and this guy has problems. I don’t have a problem with him. But you know what, guys talk. It’s part of their game. I really don’t want to be a part of mine. I’ll do my best to channel my emotions.”
