NFLPA Statement on Appeal of Ray Rice Suspension

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Today, the NFL Players Association formally filed an appeal of the indefinite suspension of Ray Rice by the NFL. This action taken by our union is to protect the due process rights of all NFL players.

The NFLPA appeal is based on supporting facts that reveal a lack of a fair and impartial process, including the role of the office of the Commissioner of the NFL. We have asked that a neutral and jointly selected arbitrator hear this case as the Commissioner and his staff will be essential witnesses in the proceeding and thus cannot serve as impartial arbitrators.

-- NFL Players Association

Additional information on this matter:

  • The terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement require a hearing date to be set within 10 days of this appeal notice.
  • Under governing labor law, an employee cannot be punished twice for the same action when all of the relevant facts were available to the employer at the time of the first punishment.
  • The hearing will require a neutral arbitrator to determine what information was available to the NFL and when it was available.

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