NFLPA files appeal of indefinite suspension of Ray Rice

As expected, the NFLPA formally appealed the indefinite suspension the NFL doled out to former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice.

The NFLPA issued the following statement (via Albert Breer):

Today, the NFL Players Association formally filed an appeal of the indefinite suspension of Ray Rice by the NFL. This action taken by our union is to protect the due process rights of all NFL players. The NFLPA appeal is based on supporting facts that reveal a lack of a fair and impartial process, including the role of the office of the Commissioner of the NFL. We have asked that a neutral and jointly selected arbitrator hear this case as the Commissioner and his staff will be essential witnesses in the proceeding and thus cannot serve as impartial arbitrators.

According to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, a hearing date must be set within 10 days.

The three-time Pro Bowler will continue to serve his indefinite suspension while the case is being appealed, per ESPN's Ed Werder.

This from the league, via ProFootballTalk:

After the suspension was announced, we said:  Teams have been notified that any contract between a team and Ray Rice will not be approved or take effect until further direction is provided from the commissioner’s office.

League commissioner Roger Goodell said that he will recuse himself from the appeal, saying he "never intended" to hear it.