As far as I’m concerned this is a matter for law enforcement. Since Mrs. Rice has apparently declined to press charges that should be the end of it. And I don’t say this as a fan of Rice, the Ravens or even the NFL. Far from it, in fact.
How short our memories are. After the OJ trial, the media questioned some of the black female jurors. The entire country was shocked at how little they cared about OJ beating his wife frequently, and, in fact, they wondered why it was relevant to the case. It didn't seem to register with them that a history of brutality can indicate that he is capable of taking it to the next level, murder.
Anyway, I remember that; and, it served as a lesson that blacks have a very different pov on what is okay in a marriage. Apparently, they have no problem with a husband beating the tar out of his wife, and, actually think it is just all part of being married, Happens to everybody.
Whites, otoh, tend to not accept that behavior. It doesn't mean that there are not white men who beat their wives. We just don't shrug it off.
So, not surprised that the wife (who was his fiance at the time he cold cocked her) is defending him, and actually married him after this incident.