NFLPA Files Grievance Over Saints Punishments

The NFLPA, which represents the players, is making an argument, naturally, on behalf of the players. The NFLPA filed a grievance against the NFL following the suspensions, according to Pro Player Insiders. The grievance centers on Goodell’s authority to suspend the players.

In the filings, the NFLPA argues that the punishments issued to the players for their alleged actions “violated the [league’s] duty of fairness to the players” because the process violated various procedural requirements of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, including limits on Goodell’s authority over the matter and failure to disclosure sufficient evidence of the violations.

Basically what the NFLPA is saying here is that Goodell never had the authority to suspend the players in the first place for these actions. That should go to the System Arbitrator.

In connection with entering into the 2011 CBA, the NFL agreed to release players of all pre-CBA conduct, which would mean that only events during the 2011 season could even be considered. The NFLPA’s grievance filing states that Goodell is “prohibited from punishing NFL players for any aspect of the ‘pay-for-performance/bounty’ conduct occurring before August 4, 2011.”

That’s an interesting point because Goodell’s decision is based on three years of evidence.

For more analysis of the Saints case, check out this video from SB Nation’s YouTube channel.