Are you Worried about Zeke and a Looming Suspension?

I wouldn't worry about it.

Warning: Long Version

I'm a pretty big nerd when it comes to fantasy. I own Zeke in one of my leagues and I wanted to make a trade but it was contingent on the Zeke news.

So last night I decided to google the latest on Zeke and the hearing that took place in New Orleans in the 5th circuit. I stumbled upon the actual hearing audio file. I decided to listen to the hearing and make my own judgments.

The NFL's only argument in this hearing was that the NFLPA filed an appeal before the Arbitrator made an official ruling. They are seeking to have the appeal thrown own because it is unprecedented and has never happened before. However, their is no language in the CBA that says you can't do that. The three judges indicated this to the NFL attorney and also asked several questions about the hearing itself and the evidence. The NFL argued that Goodell was aware of Kia Roberts recommendation prior to rendering a decision even though she was not present during the meetings that took place with Goodell prior to the punishment being handed down. The NFL attorney cited some notes in a prior deposition that made this clear, although it seemed unclear to the judges and to me.

The judges proceeded to grill the NFL attorney about dismissing the stay, because Zeke wouldn't be able to get those 6 games back if he were found to be innocent. Judge Brown, who is black and seemed to have clear football knowledge, really made the attorney and the NFL look like idiots. He was constantly undermining the NFL attorney and it was quite clear his decision would be to keep the Stay in place for Zeke. The NFL argued that it would do irreparable harm to the league if the suspension was pushed back further, arguing that anytime a suspension was rendered that the NFLPA could just do what they did for Zeke and have it pushed back. The judges pretty much disagreed with that notion.

Both the NFL and NFLPA agreed that if the Stay was still in place that they would have an expedited suit meaning that the case could be heard prior to the end of the season. They did not give a timetable on when a decision would be determined for the Stay.


Short version:

NFL is dirty mother frickers and the 5th circuit disagreed with how they handled everything and will more than likely agree with the Stay that was issued by the district court in Dallas. The suit will be expedited and could be heard prior to the end of the season. Zeke will continue to play until the case is heard.

This is my opinion on what I listened to. I am by no means a legal expert, but it seemed pretty clear to me what the decision will be by the 5th circuit. I firmly believe the judges will side with Zeke and the NFLPA.