Former Baltimore Ravens running back has won an appeal of his indefinite suspension, making him free to sign with any NFL team. The league will not pursue any further punishment of Rice and accepts the ruling, according to ESPN’s Andrew Brandt.
As to whether the NFL further pursues Ray Rice punishment, it will not. Am told by league, as to the ruling, "We accept it as binding."
— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) November 28, 2014
Former United States District Judge Barbara S. Jones made the ruling in the appeal as an independent arbitrator, as she was named to hear and decide Rice’s case in September. Several NFL reporters have commented on the decision and its implications.
Judge believes Ray Rice did not lie.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 28, 2014
Ray Rice's victory on appeal means this: Arbitrator believed Rice's story to NFL in June was sufficient, and TMZ video didn't add new info.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) November 28, 2014
Ray Rice has won his appeal and is now eligible to sign with any team. The question is does production out weigh the distraction?
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_PPI) November 28, 2014
The crux of Rice's appeal was that his gave the NFL sufficient info in the off-season, that video from elevator did not add new info.
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) November 28, 2014
Key to appeal, to me, was whether Goodell expanded on what he referred to as "ambiguities" re Rice's account. Evidently not enough.
— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) November 28, 2014
Yes, Ray Rice playing requires a team wanting to sign him. Seems unlikely, but as I always say: he doesn't need 32, he just needs one.
— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) November 28, 2014
Former teammate Torrey Smith tweeted his support for Rice (h/t to For the Win’s Nina Mandell). We will have more on this story as this develops.
Update 4:30 p.m. ET:
The NFLPA has released a statement on Rice winning his appeal:
This decision is a victory for a disciplinary process that is fair and transparent. This union will always stand up and fight for the due process rights of our players. While we take no pleasure in seeing a decision that confirms what we have been saying about the Commissioner’s office acting arbitrarily, we hope that this will bring the NFL owners to the collective bargaining table to fix a broken process. It is clear that this decision should force the NFL to embrace neutral arbitration as part of a necessary due process in all cases. The players thank Judge Barbara Jones for her time and thoroughness in this matter.
The NFLPA also released a statement on behalf of Ray Rice:
I would like to thank Judge Barbara Jones, the NFL Players Association, my attorneys, agents, advisors, family, friends and fans – but most importantly, my wife Janay. I made an inexcusable mistake and accept full responsibility for my actions. I am thankful that there was a proper appeals process in place to address this issue. I will continue working hard to improve myself and be the best husband, father and friend, while giving back to my community and helping others to learn from my mistakes.
Update 7:00 p.m. ET:
The following is a statement from NFL spokesman Greg Aiello:
“We respect Judge Jones’s decision to reinstate Ray Rice from his indefinite suspension for violating the league’s Personal Conduct Policy in an incident of domestic violence. Ray Rice is a free agent and has been eligible to be signed by an NFL team since he was released by the Ravens. Based on Judge Jones’ decision, he will be eligible to play upon signing a new contract.”
Related stories:
Ray Rice Appeal Hearing Concludes
Former U.S. District Court Judge To Hear Ray Rice Appeal
NFLPA Announces Investigation Into Handling of Ray Rice Matter
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