NFL places Chiefs WR Justyn Ross on Commissioner's Exempt List
The NFL announced on Friday that they have placed Kansas City Chiefs WR Justyn Ross on the Commissioner's Exempt List. This comes following Ross' arrest in Johnson County earlier this week. He was initially arrested and booked on a felony domestic violence charge of criminal damage in excess of $25K. That charge was later reduced by prosecutors […]
The NFL announced on Friday that they have placed Kansas City Chiefs WR Justyn Ross on the Commissioner's Exempt List.
This comes following Ross' arrest in Johnson County earlier this week. He was initially arrested and booked on a felony domestic violence charge of criminal damage in excess of $25K. That charge was later reduced by prosecutors to domestic battery with no priors and criminal damage < $1,000. Ross was released from jail following his first court appearance on Tuesday afternoon where he pleaded not guilty to both charges.
According to the Kansas City Star, police dispatcher audio captured the victim alleging that Ross was, "dragging her through the house and has torn up the house.”
What is the Commissioner's Exempt List?
NFL players who have ongoing off-the-field issues (typically facing criminal charges) that have yet to be resolved are often placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List. Players who are placed on the list are given “special player status” allowing them to be exempt from counting against the 53-man roster.
While on the list, players are not permitted to participate in any football-related activities. The Chiefs still had Ross at practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He will no longer be able to practice with the team. He also will not be permitted to play in/attend games. He is permitted to attend team meetings, train in team facilities, and receive treatment for injuries while on the list. He will also still be paid while he's on the list.
What happens next?
The commissioner is the only one who can determine when a player's time on this list comes to an end. Right now, Ross will be there indefinitely until more facts can be gathered about his situation. Once the NFL completes an investigation into his domestic violence situation, the commissioner will then determine his status.
The last Chiefs player to wind up on the Commissioner's Exempt List was RB Kareem Hunt in 2019. He was eventually released by Kansas City.
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