The players' union is appealing Rice's suspension, saying Rice should not be punished twice.
By Rob Maaddi and Danielle Abreu ••
Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice has allegedly filed a formal grievance against the franchise, alleging the team's decision to release him violates terms of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, NBC News is reporting.
A hearing on Ray Rice's appeal of his indefinite suspension will be held Nov. 5 and 6, two people familiar with the situation said Tuesday.
The people spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because details of the hearing have not been made public.
Rice was suspended indefinitely Sept. 8 for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy after a video of Rice hitting his then-fiancee in an elevator was released publicly. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell originally had suspended Rice for two games.
Once the video became public, the Baltimore Ravens cut the star running back, and the league banned him indefinitely. The league considered the video to be new evidence, giving Goodell the authority to further suspend Rice.
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Allen Robinson #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs for yardage during the game against the Cleveland Browns at EverBank Field on October 19, 2014 in Jacksonville, Florida.
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Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Denver Broncos passes under pressure by defensive end Justin Smith #94 of the San Francisco 49ers during a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 19, 2014 in Denver, Colorado.
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Members of the Chicago Bears run onto the field before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field on October 19, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. The Dolphins defeated the Bears 27-14.
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Alex Smith #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs hands off the ball against the San Diego Chargers during their NFL game at Qualcomm Stadium on October 19, 2014, in San Diego, California.
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Cooper Helfet #84 of the Seattle Seahawks catches a pass in the second quarter against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on October 19, 2014 in St. Louis, Missouri.
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Roy Helu #29 of the Washington Redskins is tackled during first quarter of their game against the Tennessee Titans at FedEx Field on October 19, 2014 in Landover, Maryland.
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Jerick McKinnon #31 of the Minnesota Vikings runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 19, 2014 in Orchard Park, New York.
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The players' union is appealing Rice's suspension, saying Rice should not be punished twice.
If successful in proving the Ravens and Goodell violated the collective bargaining agreement, Rice would be eligible to receive $3.52 million from the team. That is the amount he would have earned had he been reinstated as of Week Three of the regular season.
A neutral arbiter is expected to decide whether Goodell should testify. The arbiter had not yet made that decision as of Tuesday afternoon, the sources who informed the AP of the hearing said.
The arbiter, former U.S. District Judge Barbara S. Jones, was jointly picked by the commissioner and the players' union. Union officials said when the appeal was announced that Goodell and his staff's testimony are key to the appeal and a central reason to have an outside arbiter.
