Now that Ray Rice has been reinstated, the NFL needs to take another look at its personal conduct policy.
Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice sparked more controversy last week after winning his appeal of an indefinite suspension from the NFL and will now be considered a free agent.
Rice released a statement through the NFL Players Association on Friday expressing his gratitude to Judge Barbara Jones, his lawyers and the association as well as to his friends, family and fans. He also apologized yet again for his horrific actions towards his now wife, Janay Rice, and the assault that took place in February.
The NFL and Rice’s attorney Peter Ginsberg commented on the fact that even though the case went in Rice’s favor, it in no way dismisses his actions, but rather emphasizes the importance of the need of a “clear, fair and comprehensive” improvement upon the NFL’s current Personal Conduct Policy.
I think it is important to understand that one of the purposes of the NFLPA is to ensure that the players’ rights to play are protected and that understanding is essential in order to grasp the nature of the ruling. Let it be clear that the association was not arguing that Rice should not have been punished for his actions, but rather the process in which his punishment was dealt was incorrect. This was due to the fact that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell initially declared a two-game suspension and then increased the punishment to an indefinite suspension once the video footage of the incident was released.
In regards to that, I believe the court ruling was correct because I did not agree with the way in which Goodell addressed the situation. Nevertheless, I still find it interesting that Rice was granted eligibility as a result of winning the appeal, and so quickly.
Rice has acknowledged that his actions have largely tainted his career, his image and potentially the next team he plays for, if any one decides to sign him. According to the Chicago Tribune, if Rice is to be signed, it most likely will occur in the offseason in hopes that some of the talk will die down. Many teams, however, definitely recognize that adding Rice to their roster will create setbacks of their own.
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