If Rice Wins Appeal, Should Ravens Welcome Him Back?
By Kevin Ross II
Some would argue that for right now, it would be best for Ray Rice to fade into 'bolivian,' as Mike Tyson once said. And by doing so, he would simply let time quietly heal everything. However, Rice is taking advice from those of a different mindset as he continues to stir the pot, this time making headlines by appealing his indefinite suspension.
The former Baltimore Ravens running back will be represented by the NFL Players Association's lawyers, who will fight to get Rice back into the league, possibly for this season.
The NFLPA released a statement on Tuesday, detailing their position:
"Today, the NFL Players Association formally filed an appeal of the indefinite suspension of Ray Rice 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."
The NFLPA should have a strong case in Rice's defense, as they will argue that he is being punished both by the NFL and by the Baltimore Ravens, for the same infraction. Rice was suspended indefinitely by the NFL and then fired by the Ravens. The NFLPA will base their defense on Article 46(4) of the collective bargaining agreement, which is titled "One Penalty." The rule states that the commissioner and a team will not both discipline a player for the same act.
On the surface, this appears to be an easy win for Ray Rice. But the NFL will argue that Rice's verbal testimony to Commissioner Roger Goodell was far different from what the video proved actually happened on the elevator. Which would give Rice two separate infractions: 1) Committing domestic violence 2) Providing false testimony to the NFL. This would mean the NFL could base their suspension on the fact that Rice lied, and the Ravens could point to domestic violence to justify their firing.
Rice's side will argue that their client provided the commissioner with an accurate account, and will lean on the notion that it's impossible for a statement and a video to completely match up. The NFLPA will attempt to prove that Rice did not lie, and at the very least, admitted to hitting his wife to the commissioner, which means the video produced no new evidence.
Commissioner Goodell will be a major witness to this case, so more than likely a neutral arbitrator will hear the case. Per the collective bargaining agreement, a hearing date must be set within 10 days of Rice's appeal.
With the NFLPA having a strong case, there is a slight possibility that Rice's suspension could be reduced to six games. If this is the case, and Rice has taken the necessary steps to rehabilitate himself through counseling and possibly psychiatric treatment, should the Ravens forgive Rice and welcome him back?
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Kevin Ross is a freelance writer covering all things Washington Redskins. His work can be found on Examiner.com.