NFL Appeals Process for Suspensions and Fines Explained

The NFL announced their decisions on the appeals from players suspended following fight between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers last Thursday night. But who exactly makes these decisions, and how does the process play out?

Let's break it down.

The league has a system of fines and suspensions for various infractions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement that was agreed upon by the NFL and NFL Players Association back in 2010. In simple terms: there are rules, follow the rules and you will be fine, break them and you will be punished.

When a player appeals a suspension or fine for an on-field incident, our role is to ensure due process for the players during the hearings by: providing context, similar cases of precedence & relevant evidence so the NFL-NFLPA appointed hearing officers can come to a decision. pic.twitter.com/RXtqiQKrQ1
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) November 19, 2019

If a player were to disagree with an initial ruling made by the National Football League, they can submit an official appeal and schedule a hearing with the league.

Their case will be heard and then assigned to one of two designated appeals officers (currently, former NFL players James Thrash and Derrick Brooks). Whatever the officer rules in this case is considered final; following their rulings, the process is 100% over.

Appeals officers Derrick Brooks and James Thrash, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, have reached their decisions on the discipline appeals for Myles Garrett and Maurkice Pouncey. pic.twitter.com/xfLpiHpVBc
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) November 21, 2019

In the cases of Myles Garrett and Maurkice Pouncey, Thrash ruled that Garrett's indefinite suspension would be upheld, whereas Pouncey saw his ban reduced from three games to two by Brooks, although the full amount of his $35,096 fine was upheld.

What comes next may prove interesting, as Myles Garrett could potentially sue the NFL for allegedly violating the collective bargaining agreement. If he does choose to go to court expect discussions over the next CBA, set to be put in place after the 2020 season, to potentially lead to a holdout prior to the start of the 2021 campaign.