It looks like Ray Rice could be back in NFL action within just a few short weeks. Rice was suspended indefinitely at the start of the current season by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after that now-infamous elevator security tape was released showing Rice knocking out Janay Palmer with one punch. The general public was outraged to learn Rice was originally punished with just a two-game suspension and Goodell had to act quickly to try and save face, so he threw the proverbial book at Rice. A final appeal hearing is scheduled for mid-November, and it could easily swing in Rice's favor.

The former Baltimore Ravens player is insisting he never lied to the organization about his bad behavior but instead it was the NFL that decided to cover things up rather than deciding to dish out a tougher punishment. Also, since Rice was first suspended, the NFL has put stiffer penalties in place for instances of domestic violence. Now players are automatically suspended for six games, so even under the current rules Rice has sat out more than that.

Rice's attorneys have made it clear they want a cut-and-dry, quick decision so Rice has the opportunity to join a different team before the season ends. Even if Rice's appeal works and his suspension is dropped, that does not necessarily mean another team is going to scoop him up. His abilities as a running back are currently secondary to how bad being linked to his name is for any brand.

How do you think all this will play out? While it sounds like there is a chance that Rice's suspension will be dropped, is there really a team brave enough to sign him this year? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

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