Ray Rice's appeal hearing begins

— -- Ray Rice's appeal hearing at the offices of former U.S. District Judge Barbara S. Jones in New York began Wednesday morning and is expected to conclude sometime Thursday.

The hearing begins nearly two months after the former Pro Bowl running back was suspended indefinitely by the NFL and released by the Baltimore Ravens.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, league security chief Jeffrey Miller, Ravens president Dick Cass and Rice are among the key witnesses expected to testify in the two-day hearing. Rice's wife, Janay, might testify.

A source told ESPN NFL Insider Ed Werder that there were no significant negotiations on a settlement that would have allowed Goodell to avoid testifying.

Rice was suspended indefinitely Sept. 8 for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy after a video of him hitting his then-fiancée was released publicly. Goodell originally had suspended the running back for two games. The incident occurred in February inside an elevator at an Atlantic City, New Jersey, casino. The couple married a month later.

Rice contends the league's indefinite suspension constitutes an enhanced punishment for the same violation and thus violates labor law. He is seeking immediate reinstatement.

He has filed a separate grievance against the Ravens, challenging their right to terminate his contract and seeking repayment for the games he has missed.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.