Report: Neutral arbitrator to hear Ray Rice appeal

According to a report, the appeal of Ray Rice’s indefinite suspension from the NFL will be heard by an independent arbitrator.

The Baltimore Sun, citing an email from NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith, reported that the league and the players’ union have agreed to a neutral arbitrator to hear the case.

More from NFL

It would be the first time ever a neutral arbitrator would hear an appeal of NFL-imposed discipline.

"“For the first time ever, the league in the Rice Appeal, has agreed to use a neutral arbitrator which is being selected in discussions with the NFLPA,” Smith wrote. “The league has submitted names to us, and we have submitted names to the league; we will confer with the league shortly regarding the final choice of an appeals arbitrator. Although this occurs in the context of a different set of facts and circumstances, it is positive movement on the overall question of neutral arbitration and a fair Personal Conduct discipline process.”"

Commissioner Roger Goodell had previously agreed to recuse himself from hearing the appeal because he is expected to be a witness in the appeal proceedings.

Goodell originally suspended Rice for two games in connection with a domestic assault arrest in Atlantic City, N.J., in February, but upped the suspension to indefinite after TMZ released video on Sept. 8 of Rice punching his then-fiancee inside an elevator at an Atlantic City hotel.

The Baltimore Ravens released Rice the same day the video footage was made public.

More from FanSided.com

NFL power rankings: Cowboys rise; Top 3 unchanged
New England Patriots score touchdown against Chiefs
Chiefs take 24-0 lead on Jamaal Charles third TD
Tom Brady picked off by Sean Smith (Video)
Vikings add QB, Bridgewater doesn’t practice

Home/NFL