Decision In Ray Rice Case Expected This Week
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Ray Rice could be back in the NFL before Thanksgiving. A decision appealing his indefinite suspension is expected this week.
Mike Hellgren has more on what we can expect.
Many analysts believe Rice has a good shot of being reinstated because of how the league handled the case---but even if he is allowed to head back, would anyone want him? Or want him in the remaining few weeks of the season?
At any time, former Federal Judge Barbara Jones will make a decision that could send Ray Rice back to the NFL, ending his indefinite suspension for beating the woman who would later become his wife.
Rice believes the league punished him twice for the same incident, which violates the collective bargaining agreement.
The players' union has been a powerful ally for him.
"The union is where it's always been. With our players as emotional as you can be about the issue, your duty is to protect the rights of the player," said NFLPA President DeMaurice Smith.
Rice initially accepted a two game suspension.
"I never planned to appeal. I was going to own my actions and be a man about it and take whatever was given to me," he said.
But he changed his tune after the punch video came out. The Ravens fired him and the commissioner made the suspension indefinite.
"We had to go back and fix our policy in the short term and say, `This isn't sufficient discipline,'" said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
If Rice is reinstated, it could be a tough road this season, with teams not wanting his baggage to drag them down.
The Ravens faced a media firestorm. Powerful images as long lines of people turned in their Rice jerseys---but the NFL has also seen stories of redemption in the past...notably Michael Vick.
If Rice is reinstated and does find a new NFL home, there is one certainty: it won't be in Baltimore.
"He will not play for us," said Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti. "Can we avoid situations like Ray Rice's? Absolutely not. Can we handle it differently? One hundred percent, I guarantee you we will."
According to CBS Sports, Rice is in strong shape and physically ready for a return---if he gets that chance.
The final decision is expected to be handed down before Thanksgiving.
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