Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice has been offered a plea bargain that would spare him jail time if he participates in anger management counseling.

But it might not even get that far for Rice, who is charged with aggravated assault stemming from a February incident with his then-girlfriend in an Atlantic City casino elevator.

Rice applied for New Jersey's pretrial intervention program, which allows first-time offenders to have charges against them dismissed after participating in the program and meeting certain conditions.

The county prosecutor will decide whether Rice is allowed to enter the program.

Rice pleaded not guilty Thursday. He arrived at court holding hands with the woman, who is now his wife.

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