As expected, the National Football League Players' Association has filed an appeal on behalf of former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, who was suspended indefinitely by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after video surfaced of him knocking out his then-girlfriend with a punch.

But here's something that for many fans, is most unexpected.

Roger Goodell will not be hearing the appeal of Roger Goodell's second decision, which was different from Roger Goodell's first decision.

The NFLPA asked for a "neutral, jointly selected arbitrator" to hear the appeal...and an NFL spokesman told the Baltimore Sun that Goodell never intended to hear the appeal.  The spokesman said that would be silly.

Oh really?  Since when?

Since appointing himself the "czar of discipline" in 2007, Goodell has ruled on all personal conduct matters.  And, when there has been an appeal of Goodell's decision, the appeal has been heard by, you guessed it...Roger Goodell.

That included the famous (infamous) Saints Bounty-gate appeal when Goodell said "Ignorance is no excuse."

The fact the Commissioner has previously heard all appeals is what's silly about this whole tenure as the "czar of discipline."

But there's a good reason Goodell isn't hearing this one.

It's because of the huge lawsuit that he'd be facing.

Because Roger Goodell was wrong.  AGAIN.

Last Monday on Bird's Eye View, I mentioned "double jeopardy," where a person can't be tried twice for the same offense.  Callers mentioned that was in a court of law.

Well, it appears it's also part of the agreement between the NFL and the NFLPA.  From the story published this morning on Deadspin...

Under governing labor law, an employee cannot be punished twice for the same action when all of the relevant facts were available to the employer at the time of the first punishment.

The hearing will require a neutral arbitrator to determine what information was available to the NFL and when it was available.

The NFL will argue they did not see the video until last Monday, which constitutes the NFL did not have all the relevant facts.

The NFLPA will say the NFL had all the relevant facts, since they had a copy of the police report which chronicled exactly what happened.

It's my guess Rice will win the appeal.  Especially since Roger Goodell will be a witness, not the person who rules on the appeal.  It's amazing what an "impartial" arbitrator can do for an appeal hearing.

And, when all is said and done, Roger Goodell will once again have plenty of egg to wipe off his face.

Because he blew it.  Again.

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