According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross has been placed on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list, making him unavailable to play or practice. The ruling was handed down from the league office shortly before the final team practice before the Chiefs travel to Denver in Week 8.
“NFL placed Chiefs’ WR Justyn Ross on the Commissioner Exempt List today following his arrest Monday for misdemeanor domestic battery and misdemeanor property damage.” posted Schefter. “He pleaded not guilty to both charges.”
News now: NFL placed Chiefs’ WR Justyn Ross on the Commissioner Exempt List today following his arrest Monday for misdemeanor domestic battery and misdemeanor property damage. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 27, 2023
While on the commissioner’s exempt list, Ross continues to be paid as an active roster member but doesn’t count against the Chiefs’ 53-man limit. He is barred from practice and attending games but can be present at the facility for meetings, to work out and to receive treatment.
Only Commissioner Roger Goodell can place a player on the exempt list; teams don’t have authority. According to NFL.com, “The Commissioner also has the authority to determine in advance whether a player’s time on the Exempt List will be finite or will continue until the Commissioner deems the exemption should be lifted, and the player returned to the Active List.”