Alabama invites Ray Rice to speak on 'how to treat the opposite sex'

Alabama head coach Nick Saban told reporters Thursday that former Rutgers and NFL running back Ray Rice is in town to speak with his team regarding interactions with women.

"Well, he's obviously going to talk about how to treat the opposite sex and having the proper respect for other people," Saban said, according to Michael Casagrande of AL.com. "And I think that's important to relationships. It's important as a person to be able to do those things in a very respectful manner."

Rice was suspended indefinitely by the NFL and released by the Baltimore Ravens after a video surfaced of him striking his then-fiancee in an elevator in 2014.

He's since shared his story as part of the league's domestic violence education program. The 32-year-old's objective is to help young athletes avoid the path he took.

"I think a lot of the players can relate to (Rice's) circumstance," Saban added. "And it will be interesting to hear a guy that has had issues that now has turned a corner and has really done everything he can to help other people not have the same problem that he has. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him doing that and we're certainly glad to have him here."

Rice spent six seasons with the Ravens and never received a second NFL opportunity following his suspension.