Ray Rice wins appeal, is now reinstated

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Ray Rice has succeeded in his appeal of an indefinite suspension and was immediately reinstated to the NFL. He is now able to sign with any NFL team.

Rice was suspended indefinitely after video evidence emerged of him striking his then fiance in a casino elevator.

Rice commented on his successful appeal stating:

I would like to thank Judge Barbara Jones, the NFL Players Association, my attorneys, agents, advisors, family, friends and fans -- but most importantly, my wife Janay... I made an inexcusable mistake and accept full responsibility for my actions.

I am thankful that there was a proper appeals process in place to address this issue. I will continue working hard to improve myself and be the best husband, father and friend, while giving back to my community and helping others to learn from my mistakes.

The decision was made by former U.S. District Judge Barbara S. Jones, who heard Rice's appeal earlier this month. In her decision Judge Jones stated:

In this arbitration, the NFL argues that Commissioner Goodell was misled when he disciplined Rice the first time. Because, after careful consideration of all of the evidence, I am not persuaded that Rice lied to, or misled, the NFL at his June interview, I find that the indefinite suspension was an abuse of discretion and must be vacated...

You can read Jones's entire decision here.

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