What do readers think of the Ray Rice issue?

ASHEVILLE – The Ray Rice story was the top news on the major network news shows this morning.

It led NBC’s national newscast last night.

There were two NFL games Monday night but all they’re talking about on ESPN’s Mike & Mike is the video released yesterday by TMZ that clearly shows Rice punching, and knocking out his wife, in a hotel elevator before they were married.

Rice, who originally had been given a two-game suspension, was released by the Baltimore Ravens Monday and then suspended indefinitely by the NFL, which clearly didn’t get this right the first time.

While Rice, who at one time was one of the more productive running backs in the NFL, appears to be finished as a player, defensive end Greg Hardy of the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco defensive lineman Ray McDonald are still playing.

In July, a district judge found Hardy guilty of assault on a female and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend relating to a May 13 incident at his condo in Charlotte. He appealed for a jury trial, which is scheduled for Nov. 17. Because of that appeal he is still playing.

McDonald is facing a felony domestic violence charge.

The Charlotte Observer sought comment from Hardy on the Ravens’ decision to cut Rice, but he declined.

Should these guys be playing? Will the NFL and the NFL Players Association get together and make a joint decision that Hardy and McDonald should be sidelined in the wake of Rice’s video. That could be tricky because there is no footage on the alleged incidents involving Hardy and McDonald.

We have a comments sections where you can weigh in. For a possible future story I’d like readers to privately send me comments, with your name. Please include your phone number so I can call and verify your comments and make sure you would want them published in a future article.