Rashee Rice hearing set before Judge Sue L Robinson

Rice faces a disciplinary hearing on September 30 under the NFL Personal Conduct Policy.

Rashee Rice hearing set before Judge Sue L Robinson

The hearing is scheduled for September 30 and will be held before retired judge Sue L Robinson. She serves as the disciplinary officer under the NFL Personal Conduct Policy. Rice's case is the second under the policy revisions that followed the 2020 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Robinson will review the evidence, determine what happened, and decide on any discipline. Both Rice and the NFL will have avenues to appeal the outcome to the Commissioner or their designee.

There had been belief the matter could go straight to the Commissioner since video appears clear. Yet the Personal Conduct Policy requires a ruling from Robinson first, with any appeal handled on an expedited basis. The process has no fixed deadline, only a requirement to issue a decision promptly. Rice remains eligible to play while the case proceeds and the final discipline is determined by Robinson and, if appealed, by the Commissioner or designee.

The case tests how the 2020 CBA revisions operate in practice and whether the process can deliver timely, credible discipline. It highlights the tension between a formal, judge-led procedure and the public demand for swift accountability in high profile incidents. The use of a seasoned former judge signals the league’s intent to take conduct cases seriously, while the absence of hard deadlines leaves room for public scrutiny over speed and consistency.

The outcome could influence how the NFL handles future disciplinary actions and how players, teams, and fans view the league’s governance. A transparent, well carried process may bolster trust even when the facts are disputed, while any perceived delay or inconsistency could fuel criticism of the policy’s fairness and application.

Highlights

The next steps will reveal how the policy lands in practice and what fans should expect from league discipline