(SportsNetwork.com) - NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was the first person called to testify Wednesday in the appeal hearing for suspended running back Ray Rice and his testimony under oath lasted more than two hours, according to a report.

ESPN reported that Goodell spent most of his time under cross-examination by outside players union attorney Jeffrey Kessler.

Rice was suspended indefinitely by the NFL on Sept 8 over a February incident with his wife, Janay.

Video of the running back striking his then-fiancee inside an Atlantic City casino elevator rocked the league and also led to Rice's release by the Baltimore Ravens on the same day he was suspended indefinitely by the NFL.

Goodell initially suspended Rice for two games, and the running back argues the league violated labor laws by increasing his punishment after the video surfaced.

The Rices attended the start of the two-day hearing in New York and were photographed holding hands as they arrived. ESPN reported they are expected to testify separately on Thursday.