NFL commissioner Roger Goodell testified under oath on Wednesday in front of Judge Barbara S. Jones, who is hearing the appeal proceedings for suspended Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, according to a report by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter. It was exactly two weeks ago Goodell was compelled to provide testimony during the appeal.
Roger Goodell testifies in Ray Rice appeal hearing
A gag order has limited the details about his testimony, however.
Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Goodell’s testimony lasted more than two hours, according to Schefter. The report also noted the embattled commissioner was the first witness called following the opening statements by the league and the NFL players union, which is representing Rice in the appeal. After answering questions for the NFL’s legal team, Goodell was cross-examined by Jeffrey Kessler, union attorney also known for his ongoing antitrust lawsuit against the NCAA.
Rice was caught on video dragging his wife unconscious out of an elevator in an Atlantic City casino earlier this year. Police reports cited the incident as a domestic dispute culminating in Rice striking his wife unconscious. When the NFL learned of the incident, it initially suspended him for two games. Later, when a second video was leaked publicly that showed the graphic images of Rice punching his wife, the league suspended the running back again, this time indefinitely. Rice is appealing the second suspension, claiming the CBA prevents a player from receiving two punishments for the same act.
At this time, no other details about Goodell’s statements have been made public as the result of Jones’ gag order. What is known is that a decision on Rice is expected within a “matter of days.” If the appeal proves successful, Rice would be free to sign with an NFL team for the remainder of the season.
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