The investigation into the NFL’s handling of the Ray Rice case isn’t expected to be completed for some time and the running back is asking the NFLPA to fast track his appeal, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA Today Sports’ Tom Pelissero. Surprisingly, it now looks like Rice’s indefinite suspension could be resolved before Robert S. Mueller’s investigation comes to a close.
The collective bargaining agreement says a hearing date must be set within ten days of the appeal but, initially, the union initially agreed to waive that deadline. Now that the investigation is dragging – Giants owner John Mara said it will be “several months” before the investigation is wrapped – Rice’s camp wants to change course.
A hearing could come as soon as the end of this month, according to Pelissero’s source, but no date has been set. It would seem that the 27-year-old, like fellow embattled running back Adrian Peterson, is hoping to get back on the field this season.