NFL players Jordan Addison and Rashee Rice have been caught up in different courtrooms, each facing guilty pleas for offseason transgressions. While Addison was given a relatively short suspension of three games, Rice is set to face a disciplinary hearing on September 30 with no clear timeline for his suspension.
The discrepancy raises questions about the NFL’s consistency in handling player discipline. Addison received a swift plea deal and immediate suspension, whereas Rice’s case has dragged on, sparking concerns that some teams are being treated differently than others.
A look at past precedent provides insight into this issue. In 2014, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was deactivated for a Week 2 game after allegations of child abuse but remained on the Commissioner’s Exempt list until he pleaded guilty to charges. This situation led to the NFLPA filing a grievance, resulting in Peterson being suspended for the remainder of the 2014 season.
Rice’s case mirrors Peterson’s, and it is surprising that the NFL has not taken similar action sooner. The inconsistency in discipline raises concerns about fairness and potential favoritism towards certain teams or players.
Source: https://www.dailynorseman.com/minnesota-vikings-news/89701/nfl-discipline-different-strokes-different-folks-vikings-chiefs-jordan-addison-rashee-rice