Union files grievances
 

This is a good one.
Its basically a Stature of Limitations. Well played Union, well played. The Saints can go free with this argument.


"In one grievance, filed under Article 43 of the labor deal, the union initially argues that Goodell lacks the authority to discipline players for conduct occurring before August 4, 2011, the date on which the current CBA was finalized. The grievance cites language releasing all players from conduct in which the players engaged before August 4, 2011.

The Article 43 grievance then argues that, as the discipline relates to any intention or effort or offer to injure opposing players, Ted Cottrell and Art Shell have authority over the appeal process, and not Goodell. Cottrell and Shell have been jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA to handle the appeals of fines or suspensions for “conduct on the playing field with respect to an opposing player or players.” The NFLPA believes that the bounty allegations fall within the scope of that clause.




NFLPA grievances attempt to steer review process away from Goodell | ProFootballTalk

This will go to court. If the above is true, expect a prolonged battle.

Ok. But this does nothing for Payton, right? Does Payton's actions before the CBA still remain within douche-face's authority? (I won't type his name anymore)

How did their lawyers fail to see this? Granted, Williams' speech still occurred before the SF game, but bounties weren't mentioned.

Payton is screwed because he isn't in the NFLPA.

However, if the players actually get declared innocent, that they had no part in it... then I seriously think you have to review his status.

And that's what is disappointing about this.

I personally think Goodell went way too far with this. Had he punished Coaches fairly (Max 8 game suspension) and announced punishment for players (3 to 4 games each) at the same time, the NFLPA would not be fighting back.

Because Goodell has taken this WHOLE affair to another level for PR (which isn't going to help the NFL in court against brain injuries anyways) the NFLPA MUST fight this, otherwise they show approval for the dictatorial decisions of an overbearing commissioner.

In this case there would be no innocent or guilty, there would be no final outcome except for an acquittal.

Sort of like a traffic cop not showing up for your court hearing.. Your neither guilty nor innocent.. your free to go!

Basically in the eyes of the law players are immune to prosecution or punishment to anything done before August 4 2011.

I agree. But "if" this gets over turned in favor of the players; no way will Baddell let two "eggs" hit him in the face. He will punish Payton. I think if the NFLPA has him by the short and curlies on this; things are going to get very interesting in the upcoming weeks.

I totally agree, and it makes sense because the CBA was just re-signed with MAJOR changes. It wasn't a continuation of the old CBA.

As smart as the NFL acts with all their "evidence" they refuse to reveal, they failed to see this one coming.

Maybe the NFL needs to hire another group of CHUMP lawyers and former prosecutors to do some more thinking for them because the NFLPA is schooling them on this.

It's plain and simple, there is NO Union for coaches. They aren't covered under the NFLPA. Therefore, the NFL's decision stands with Payton for now.

Here is a 81tch of an angle for you.

What "if" one shred of evidence shows that "things" took place between August 4th 2011 and now. There is a whole entire season in there.

Its back on again..... With a twist.

Fujita gets no punishment, went to browns after 2009 season
Hargrove walks also. He signed with the Seahawks on Sep 9 2011

Smith and Vilma.... Still have to fight.

I didn't think about that... and one of the major violations the NFL claims are bounties over the 49er playoff game in January.

This could take a while.

Actually all they have is that audio of Gregg Williams when it comes to the 49er game which wouldn't hold up in court because u don't know if he's talking about paying out bounties or paying for the fines if they got hit by the NFL for an illegal hit. Because its audio you can't really prove that. All it is is S*** talking and getting the motivated to play aggressive. When he say's "I got this" and supposedly rubbing his fingers together can be taken many different ways.

And the fact the Vilma's bet was put down BEFORE 2011 on Warner & Favre would aqquit him of any accusations because they don't have physical proof besides a few names of QBs some assistant wrote on a piece of paper for players to focus on. I highly doubt they have or can find any physical evidence of payoffs in 2011 when the NFL was basically popping in every other week for the investigation in the first place.

Roger has to much power.

If the players get aquitted, I hate to think about what Roger will do to Payton to compensate

I think Roger and the NFL are getting the feeling they've gone too far and now have a HOTT MESS PR nightmare on their hands.

Think they hoped after the players suspensions everything would end, but it isn't.

I have been in arbitration hearings. There is the arbitrator & attorneys for both sides present. It is like being in court. You are questioned and then cross examined. I don't see how an arbitrator will not take into serious consideration that the NFL waited 3 years to discipline these players. I believe the suspensions will be overturned by an arbitrator. However to get it to an arbitrator takes a few months or so unless they find a way to expedite the hearings. I think the players file some sort of injuction to delay punishment till the arbitrator can hear the case.

Guck Foodell!

I'm tired of the union just pointing out the statute of limitations. These ARE violations by the NFL under these laws, and they should be dragged to court over it. But this point has been brought up so many times for so many different things. It's more than just a violation of this law, it is also blind justice. There is no hard evidence to prove that our players ever tried to hurt anyone. There is only the common knowledge that already existed before bountygate, that every team has some kind of money pool, including the Saints. They just threw the word "bounty" at us and starting talking about, but never showing us, supposed documents that supposedly prove our guilt.

But every time the NFLPA brings up the statute of limitations, it makes it look like we're guilty and trying to find a loop hole to get away with it. Again, I agree that the NFLPA should bring all these facts and laws up in court, the law should be enforced. But I just hope that they'll force the NFL to prove their allegations as well. Because I don't think Goodell can do that, and I want our name CLEARED.

Yeah, the coaches only have the "National Football League Coaches Association" (NFLCA), which doesn't handle any labor disputes. But, maybe they'll look into progressing towards that goal in light of the recent developments.

This is the association's mission statement:

NFL COACHES > Mission Statement

Not sure he can do anything else. He has already punished him for his supposed involvement. It would be kind of like double jeopardy.

You make it sound like RG actually cares about things like "justice" and "fairness"

Maybe a dumb question, but since the union filed grievances, is that in lieu of appeals? I thought the players only had 3 days to appeal

No, it is not. And they have until the end of the business day today to file their appeals.