The Facts: Rice's appeal hearing at the offices of former U.S. District Judge Barbara S. Jones in New York began Wednesday morning and is expected to conclude sometime Thursday.

Diehards Line: The hearing begins nearly two months after the former Pro Bowl running back was suspended indefinitely by the NFL and released by the Baltimore Ravens. Rice contends the league's indefinite suspension constitutes a second punishment for a single violation of the personal conduct penalty and thus violates the collective bargaining agreement. He is seeking immediate reinstatement. He has filed a separate grievance against the Ravens, challenging their right to terminate his contract and seeking repayment for the games he has missed. ... Stay tuned.