Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice filed an appeal of his indefinite suspension Tuesday and will be represented by lawyers of The NFL Players Association.
The NFLPA released this statement Tuesday evening:
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.
A hearing date must be set within 10 days of the notice of Rice's appeal per the collective bargaining agreement. The hearing will require a neutral arbitrator to umpire what information was available to the NFL and when.
Rice was initially suspended for two games for a domestic violence involving his then-fiance Janay Palmer at an Atlantic City casino in February. The suspension became indefinite after TMZ posted the surveillance video showing Rice knocking Janay out in a Revel Casino elevator that caused her head to hit the rail and lose consciousness.