This was the latest update to the policy and it went into effect last year and it was the policy used in the Desean Watson situation last year. You really think the NFLPA would not say anything if the NFL just handed down a punishment that doesn't go through this process? Not a chance in hell.
The information the NFL has collected will be turned over the the retired judge that was jointly hired and she will make her decision likely sometime in the next month. After that either side can appeal her decision to the Commisioner who can then make a final ruling.