NFL notes: Ray Rice, wife testify on final day of hearing
Ray Rice and wife Janay testified Thursday in New York on the final day of a hearing in the former Baltimore Ravens running back’s appeal of his indefinite NFL suspension.
The arbitration hearing before a former federal judge will determine whether the NFL overstepped its authority in modifying Rice’s two-game suspension, making it indefinite after video of the running back hitting his wife – then his fiancee – was released by TMZ.
The Rices left the hearing separately about three hours apart after each testified at former U.S. District Judge Barbara S. Jones’ office.
“I can trust it’s a fair process,” said Rice’s attorney, Peter Ginsberg.
Two people familiar with the case said there’s no timetable for Jones to make her decision, though one person said she has asked the sides to submit closing briefs next week.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell testified for more than two hours to start the appeal hearing Wednesday.
The Rices attended the full hearing Wednesday.
The hearing began nearly two months after the former Pro Bowl running back was suspended indefinitely by the NFL and released by the Ravens.
Rice is seeking immediate reinstatement, though it’s unlikely a team would sign him this season.
Cowboys’ Romo practices in London
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo practiced for the first time since arriving in London.
Romo missed last Sunday’s 28-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals with his third back injury in the last 18 months.
Dallas coach Jason Garrett said Romo is still not assured of starting on Sunday, when the Cowboys (6-3) play Jacksonville (1-8) at Wembley Stadium.
AP: Blood-testing setup has flaws
Exactly one month has passed since the NFL instituted blood testing for human growth hormone – a test experts say is almost impossible to fail.
An AP analysis of the testing protocol approved by the league and the NFL Players Association after more than three years of wrangling found that only the most reckless or uninformed player would seem to have a chance of getting caught using HGH.
Of nearly 2,800 HGH tests from various sports analyzed last year at labs accredited by the World Anti-Doping Agency, zero turned up positive.
Said Travis Tygart, the CEO of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency: “You pretty much have to be a fool to test positive” at a team facility.
NFLPA spokesman George Atallah said: “There are always things that can be worked out or need to be improved, but it’s working like it’s supposed to.”
Around the league
New York Giants cornerback Zack Bowman was sent to a hospital to be evaluated for abdominal pain. Bowman was expected to be in the starting lineup Sunday against Seattle. … Buffalo coach Doug Marrone said running back Fred Jackson is not ready to return against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he’ll see how things progress the rest of this week. Jackson was limited in practice for a second day in a row on Thursday. The 33-year-old is making his way back from a groin injury he suffered on Oct. 19. Receiver Sammy Watkins also sat out after suffering a groin injury in practice on Wednesday.