Ray Rice, wife make 1st public appearance at New York high school football game

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. -- It was not an NFL stadium, but Ray Rice was back on a football field Saturday afternoon. The former Baltimore Ravens running back and his wife, Janay Rice, attended New Rochelle High School's varsity football game, marking their first public appearance since surveillance video showing him hitting his then-fiance was released.

There were no audible cheers or boos as Rice walked towards the sidelines with his daughter in his arms. However, there was clear show of support at his alma mater, evidenced by many fans wearing his Ravens jersey. Rice's number 5 from his playing days at New Rochelle High School hung from the stands.

It has been less than a week since the now infamous video surfaced showing Rice punching his then-fiancee unconscious in an Atlantic City casino elevator. The Ravens released the all-pro running back on Monday, and the NFL suspended him indefinitely.

On Saturday, Janay Rice stood by her husband, along with Rice's agent, and several relatives. This first public appearance was not without controversy. Rice was invited by New Rochelle's head coach, who objected the decision to take down Rice's picture, plaque and Ravens jersey from a wall of fame. The principal calls it "complicated."

New Rochelle superintendent Brian Osborne said in a statement emailed on Thursday that "our community stands united in the belief that physical violence to settle differences cannot be condoned."

Rice celebrated, as if on cue, and the Hugenots returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Rice did not speak with the media, instead he exchanged hugs with supporters, and received words of advice.

"I said 'Ray, I support you and love you'," said former youth coach Joe Fosina.

Rice left at halftime after seeing his alma mater pull comfortable ahead - a game won by New Rochelle over Ramapo 34-6.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.