Ray Rice's wife tells her side of the story

Nine months after NFL running back Ray Rice struck his wife Janay in a casino elevator in Atlantic City, she is breaking her silence about exactly what happened leading up to the incident that was vividly captured on security cameras.

This comes the day after Rice's suspension from the NFL was overturned by the retired federal judge hearing his appeal.

While Rice's future on the field is still unclear, no team has signed him yet. His wife is now being quite clear about why she did not leave Rice after he hit her.

In an interview with NBC, Janay Rice described what she was thinking the night Rice -- then her fiance -- hit her in the elevator of an Atlantic City hotel and casino.

"I was furious. We came home and we didn't talk the entire ride," she said. "I just didn't want to entertain it, entertain him, anything he had to say, any explanation. Of course, in the back of my mind and in my heart, I knew that our relationship wouldn't be over. Because I know that this isn't us and it's not him."

Janay Rice also gave an extensive interview to ESPN, published Friday. She had editorial control over what was published, but described in her own words what happened.

"The video didn't make me rethink our relationship," she said, "but I did want more of an explanation from him. I asked him why he left me on the floor like that. He told me he was in shock."

She also explains at length why she says they decided to stay together.

"I just had to remember the things I saw in my parents' marriage; be strong when your partner is weak," she said. "I stuck with Ray because I truly love him."

Ray Rice has apologized publicly several times, and again Friday called his action "an inexcusable mistake."

Geoff Foster, sports editor at the Wall Street Journal, said it's a mistake NFL teams are likely to overlook.

"Michael Vick got another chance; Donte Stallworth was in a fatal hit-and-run, he got another chance," Foster explained. "I think that next year, that certainly a team will take a chance on him."

Regardless of if or when he plays again, Rice's case could upend how the NFL disciplines players.

Players' union head Demaurice Smith has called for a "neutral arbitrator" to handle player discipline."

"There will be changes to our personal conduct policy," said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell at a September press conference. "I know this because we will make it happen. Nothing is off the table."

Those changes are due to be announced by the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, with just five more weekends to go in the regular season, no team has publicly offered Rice a second chance -- yet.