In the same day Ray Rice's hearing for his suspension appeal was announced, the running back filed a grievance against his former team, the Baltimore Ravens, for terminating his contract. Baltimore cut ties with Rice on Sept. 8 shortly after video evidence emerged of him striking his then-fiancée in Atlantic City.
According to ProFootballTalk, Rice will argue that the current Collective Bargaining Agreement allows for one punishment per infraction, which is the same stance he's using in his appeal. The running back was suspended for two games back in July after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell took time to gather evidence, listen to stories and let the legal process play out. But TMZ obtained graphic video evidence of Rice striking his now-wife and knocking her unconscious. When it was made public, the NFL immediately retracted their two-game suspension and banned Rice indefinitely while the Ravens terminated his contract.
If the grievances (against the Ravens and the NFL) are resolved in Rice's favor he would be eligible to receive $3.52 million, which was his scheduled base salary for 2014. Before the 2012 season, Rice signed a five-year, $35 million contract with Baltimore, which included $15 million guaranteed (his signing bonus). According to Spotrac.com, Rice was to receive his base, plus an option bonus of $1.75 million in 2014. Not only could Rice receive his base salary, but he might also get reinstated as early as November 6, although another team would have to sign him if his ban is lifted.
The NFL Players Association is representing Rice throughout this process and is arguing that the running back was charged twice for the incident that transpired, which is not permissible by law or by the current CBA between the NFL and the players. Federal Judge Barbara Jones, the arbitrator who is hearing the case filed against the NFL, is also expected to make a decision this week on whether or not Goodell will be required to testify.
Although Rice is the perpetrator in this situation and was already punished by the law and the NFL, he presents a strong case and may see a ruling in his favor.
