NEW YORK, N.Y. - Ray Rice and wife Janay testified Thursday on the final day of a hearing in the former Baltimore Ravens running backs appeal of his indefinite NFL suspension.The arbitration hearing before a former federal judge will determine whether the NFL overstepped its authority in modifying Rices two-game suspension, making it indefinite after video of the running back hitting his wife — then his fiancee — was released by TMZ.Rice and Janay Rice left the hearing separately about three hours apart after each testified at former U.S. District Judge Barbara S. Jones office.I can trust its a fair process, said Rices attorney, Peter Ginsberg.Two people familiar with the case said theres no timetable for Jones to make her decision, though one person said she has asked the sides to submit closing briefs next week. Both spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the arbiter has told the sides not to discuss details of the private hearing.NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell testified for more than two hours to start the appeal hearing Wednesday, according to one of the sources. Ray and Janay Rice attended the full hearing Wednesday.The hearing began nearly two months after the former Pro Bowl running back was suspended indefinitely by the NFL and released by the Ravens.League security chief Jeffery Miller and Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome also testified in the hearing. Ravens President Dick Cass, who was previously expected to testify, was not asked to take part in the hearing, one of the sources said.The NFL players union said in a statement that the hearing was fair and thorough, and thanked NFL owners and officials for agreeing to use a neutral arbiter.The collectively bargained rights of all players must be vehemently preserved and we take that obligation seriously, the statement said. This appeal, presided over by a neutral arbitrator, which included a presentation of all the relevant facts, witness testimony to the truth and cross examination, is the due process that every athlete deserves.NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy declined comment. We continue to respect the confidentiality order set weeks ago, he said.Rice was suspended indefinitely Sept. 8 for violating the NFLs personal conduct policy.Rice is seeking immediate reinstatement, though its unlikely a team would sign him this season. Rice has also filed a separate wrongful termination grievance against the Ravens.Goodell originally suspended the running back for two games. The incident occurred inside an elevator at an Atlantic City casino in February, when Rice and Janay Rice were engaged. The couple married a month later.The league considered the video made public after the initial suspension to be new evidence, giving Goodell the authority to amend Rices punishment. But Rices attorneys are arguing he should not be disciplined twice, citing the collective bargaining agreement.Rices side also is arguing that he described details of the incident to Goodell when they met in June. Goodell has called Rices description ambiguous while the players representatives have maintained he gave exact details.Rices attorneys also say the indefinite suspension isnt consistent with other punishments issued by Goodell in the past.Jones was jointly picked by the commissioner and the players union to hear the appeal. Though it isnt a criminal case, Jones asked witnesses to testify under oath. Transcripts of the testimony will not be released publicly, one source said.Rice, a three-time Pro Bowl pick, played in two preseason games for the Ravens this year. His last carry was a 6-yard run against San Francisco on Aug. 7.___AP NFL website:
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www.twitter.com/AP_NFL___Rob Maaddi can be reached on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/ap_robmaaddi .Bekker was added Wednesday in exchange for allocation money after two seasons with Toronto. The native of Canada had 29 MLS appearances, including 16 starts. Hes also played in 13 games for the Canadian national team. . The Maple Leafs will play on the road for the first time this season after dropping home contests to Montreal and Pittsburgh to begin the campaign. After losing a one-goal decision to the Canadiens on Wednesday, they were bested 5-2 on Saturday by the Penguins.
http://www.cheapmarinersjerseysauthenti ... n-jersey.Y. - Alex Rodriguez paid $305,000 for evidence that could be used in the case involving the Biogenesis of America drug clinic, the Daily News reported Saturday. . PAUL, Minn. . The Vancouver coach and an announced sellout crowd of 18,910 watched in dismay as the Canucks lost 7-4 to the New York Islanders on Monday night by squandering a 3-0 lead in the third period.PIESTANY, Slovakia - Dylan Strome scored a hat trick as Canada defeated the United States 11-5 on Friday to advance to the final of the under-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup. Travis Konecny added a pair of goals while Jansen Harkins, Mathew Barzal, Lawson Crouse, Adam Musil, Mitchell Stephens and Tyler Soy added singles for Canada, which reached double digits in goals in a summer under-18 game for the first time since 2000. I thought our guys played hard and we were ready to go off the hop, said head coach Jody Hull. Canada will play the co-host Czech Republic in Saturdays final at Breclav. The Czechs defeated Sweden 4-3 in the late semifinal. Weve got to go out and play our game, Hull said. If we can go out and playy our game for 60 minutes, thats going to be the key.dddddddddddd Youve got to be ready for anything. So were just going to enjoy this tonight and be focused and ready to go tomorrow. All but two of Canadas 18 skaters recorded at least a point in the blowout victory and Zach Sawchenko made 24 saves. Thomas Novak scored twice for the Americans. Brock Boeser, Tanner Laczynski and Ryan Moore had the other goals. Canada finished first in Group B in preliminary round play with a 3-0 record while the Czechs led Group A at 3-0. Sweden and the United States will play for the bronze medal on Saturday. Canada has won this tournament six years in a row, and 18 of the past 23 times since it began in 1991. ' ' '
