James Thrash Named Appeals Officer for on-Field Player Discipline by NFL, NFLPA

The NFL and NFL Players Association announced Monday that former Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles wideout James Thrash will work as an appeals officer for decisions pertaining to on-field discipline in 2015.

Thrash joins Derrick Brooks, who took over for Matt Birk at the same position last year.

Ben Volin of the Boston Globe was surprised to see both the NFL and NFLPA putting their differences aside to reach an agreement on Thrash's appointment. George Atallah, the NFLPA's assistant executive director of external affairs, was satisfied with the final decision:

After ending his 12-year playing career, Thrash worked with the Redskins, aiding players and their families in their financial and educational pursuits. He left Washington to join the league's player engagement staff, where he worked before becoming an appeals officer.

Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith explained that Thrash and Brooks will act as independent arbitrators regarding punishments for "anything from hits on defenseless players to wearing the wrong color socks."