The NFL Players Association is launching an investigation into the NFL and the Baltimore Ravens' handling of Ray Rice, USA Today reports. The union has tabbed former federal prosecutor Richard Craig Smith to head the investigation. Smith is the head of regulatory and government investigation for the Washington D.C. lawfirm Norton Rose Fulbright.
"Mr. Smith brings tremendous experience and expertise," the union said in its statement. "The NFLPA will request that the NFL and the Baltimore Ravens cooperate in the interest of transparency."
The NFL is simultaneously conducting its own investigation led by former head of the FBI Richard Mueller. Both investigations are focused on the procedure taken by the Ravens and the NFL in disciplining Rice. Rice initially received a two-game suspension from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. However, when TMZ released a video earlier this month of Rice striking his then-fiancée, he was released by Baltimore and suspended indefinitely by the league.
The NFL has been criticized for its management of the Rice situation with many calling for Roger Goodell to resign. Detractors point to the league's lack of proactive action and inability to obtain video evidence that was posted by TMZ prior to its initial punishment. As a result, new domestic violence policies have been put in place by the league. These stiffer penalties include a six-game suspension without pay for first offenders and a lifetime ban for a second offense.
Rice is one of several high-profile players in the NFL to be involved in a violent incident recently. Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy was convicted of assaulting a female in June. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is facing charges of child abuse. Both players have been placed on the NFL exempt list, barring them from all team activities. They are, however, still eligible to collect their remaining salaries for this season.
