The Odell Beckham appeal isn’t moving as quickly as similar appeals have moved. It means that the situation likely won’t be resolved by Wednesday, the first day of the work week.
Per a source with knowledge of the NFLPA’s interpretation procedure, the filing of an appeal stays the suspension pending its outcome. This means that, if the appeal isn’t concluded by Wednesday, Beckham nevertheless will be allowed to show up to the facility for meetings and practice.
This practice conflicts with the text of the NFL’s suspension letter, which says that “your suspension begins immediately and you may not practice with the team or otherwise participate in any football activities for the Giants during your suspension” -- and says nothing about an appeal changing that.
It’s usually not an issue, because the appeal usually is resolved by Tuesday. As the source explained, a hearing officer has not yet been named and a day and time for the appeal has not yet been selected for the Beckham case. The delay apparently is arising from the holiday-week schedule, which requires multiple calendars to align at a time when travel and other events could be getting in the way.
Ultimately, the question is whether former linebacker Derrick Brooks or former receiver James Thrash will get in the way of the one-game suspension.