BALTIMORE (AP) — The NFL Players Association says it’s acting “to protect the due process rights of all NFL players,” in appealing Ray Rice’s indefinite suspension.
The NFL originally handed Rice a two-game suspension in July under the league’s personal conduct policy after the Ravens running back was charged with assault following a February altercation with his then-fiancee in a casino elevator.
But video surfaced last week showing Rice punching Janay Palmer, now his wife, in that elevator, prompting the Ravens to cut Rice and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to extend the suspension to indefinite.
In a statement, the players’ union says its appeal is based on “a lack of a fair and impartial process.” It’s asking for a neutral arbitrator to hear the case.
The NFL didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
However, the National Organization for Women says the appeal is more evidence that it’s time for Goodell to resign. NOW President Terry O’Neill blasts NFL discipline as an “erratic” and illogical system of ad hoc punishments” and accuses the commissioner of failing to show leadership on the issue of domestic violence.
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315-v-35-(Jim Militello, AP correspondent)–The NFL players union has appealed the indefinite suspension of former Baltimore running back Ray Rice. AP correspondent Jim Militello reports. (16 Sep 2014)
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APPHOTO NY184: FILE – In this Aug. 7, 2014, file photo, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice sits on the sideline in the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Baltimore. The NFL players’ union has appealed the league’s indefinite suspension of Ray Rice, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014.(AP Photo/Nick Wass, File) (7 Aug 2014)
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