NFL Players' Association Files Appeal Over Ray Rice Suspension
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Many upset at the NFL's handling of Ray Rice are urging a boycott of sponsors---and the players' association filed an appeal over his suspension.
Investigator Mike Hellgren has the latest.
Activists Photoshopped a Covergirl ad, urging customers to hit the NFL in the wallet and boycott sponsors until Commissioner Roger Goodell leaves---and it's not the only battle the commissioner is fighting. Ray Rice and the players' union will take him on over Rice's indefinite suspension. The appeal was filed Tuesday evening.
Sources say the appeal will be based on the collective bargaining agreement, which reads "The Commissioner and a Club will not both discipline a player for the same act or conduct."
Lawyer Steve Silverman represents several NFL players and knows that agreement well.
"I think he has a shot at winning because it's a slap in the face to how our legal system operates in this country," Silverman said.
WJZ has learned a third party would likely hear any appeal since Goodell would be a witness. He claims Rice never told him about the punch.
"It's hard to say right now whether the commissioner is acting independently, at the will of the owners or some combination of both," Silverman said.
Lawmakers in New Jersey---where the elevator punch happened---passed six bills aimed at preventing domestic violence.
The NFL named three women who are experts in domestic violence prevention to a new panel to shape future policies following intense criticism.
"I think the way the NFL handled this was awful. It was outrageous. That player should have been fired immediately," said Senator Kirstin Gillibrand.
Stay with WJZ for instant updates.
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