NFLPA officially appeals Ray Rice suspension by the NFL

The NFL Players Association has officially filed an appeal to the NFL’s second suspension of Ray Rice for domestic violence against his then-fiance and now- wife, Janay Palmer in a casino elevator in Atlantic City in February.

Rice was issued a 2-game suspension initially on July 25 and after a second video was released by TMZ showing Rice punching Palmer in the elevator, the NFL handed him an indefinite suspension after the Ravens released him Sept. 8.

Brian McIntyre of NFL.com provided the statement from the NFLPA:

The NFLPA has filed the appeal in order to show how the situation was handled rather than defend Rice’s acts. Since Rice is being suspended twice for the same offense, a violation of the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement Article 46 Section 4, the NFLPA has a strong case.

“The Commissioner and the Club will not both discipline a player for the same act or conduct,” the CBA reads. “The Commissioner’s disciplinary action will preclude or supersede disciplinary action by any Club for the same act or conduct.”

The NFLPA has asked for a neutral arbitrator and not the Commisssioner, Roger Goodell hear the case as he will be a witness.

“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,” the union added in the statement.  “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.”

The NFL will have 10 days to set a hearing date for the NFLPA’s case.

More from FanSided.com

Nike pulls Adrian Peterson jerseys, merchandise from Twin Cities stores
Steve Williams hated Tiger Woods calling him Stevie
Rory McIlroy’s ball lands in spectator’s pocket
NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Wide Receivers
Tampa Bay Rays gifts to Derek Jeter