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Ray Rice to have appeal hearing delayed

By Ted Schwerzler

Jun 19, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) talks during minicamp at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) talks during minicamp at the Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ray Rice has been out of football for a couple of weeks now, thanks to his domestic abuse altercation with his wife, Janay. He was cut by the Baltimore Ravens and then suspended indefinitely by the NFL and Roger Goodell. That suspension took place 12 days ago and he appealed that suspension eight days ago. It isn’t going anywhere soon, however.

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Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio is reporting that no officer has been appointed to hear the appeal.

The appeal, under the labor deal, must be held by September 30, but it looks like that date will be mutually delayed.

At this point, it looks like both the NFL and NFLPA will either agree, or maybe already have agreed, to push the date for the hearing back. With there being so much fluidity with this situation, both the NFL and NFLPA would likely want the issue handled to the fullest extent.

Although Rice could also be reinstated, it would likely be best for him to be reinstated after his appeal is heard, rather than on a technicality.

That being said, the situation does present some sort of favor in Rice’s corner.

Prior to Rice being suspended indefinitely, Roger Goodell introduced a new domestic abuse policy. After clearly getting it wrong with a two game suspension, he changed the terms to six games for a first offense, and then more aggressive penalties to follow.

Ray Rice is a first time offender, so a six game suspension would have been what he should have expected. Likely looking to make an example out of him, Goodell went over the mandates he just placed.

Look for this to drag on for the next couple of weeks.

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