49ers' Torrey Smith on Ray Rice: 'Good people make mistakes'

Ray Rice appears to have the full support of a former Baltimore Ravens teammate as he continues to search for a second chance in the NFL.

Now with the San Francisco 49ers after signing as a free agent, veteran wide receiver Torrey Smith told TMZ Sports the veteran running back is deserving of that opportunity.

"Good people make mistakes," Smith said. "I believe in second chances and I think society is supposed to be built on the idea that you can suffer consequences and come back.

"People sometimes want you to apologize a certain way, crying or all upset. He's made things right with his wife and family and earned respect with his actions since the incident. ... He's a way better person than he showed on that tape."

Rice's contract with the Ravens was terminated Sept. 8, shortly after video emerged of him striking his then-fiancee in an Atlantic City casino elevator.

Though he's been reinstated from an indefinite suspension handed down by the NFL, the apparent lack of interest from teams is making it increasingly unlikely he'll ever receive that second chance.

Rice spent six seasons with the Ravens after joining the club as a 2008 second-round pick.